Governor Newsom Signs Crucial Legislation to Protect and Expand Access to Reproductive Health Services

Sacramento — Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two critical pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing access to reproductive health services and safeguarding the rights of patients and providers across California. Assembly Bills 2085 and 2099, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), underscore the state's commitment to protecting reproductive freedom and ensuring the safety of those seeking and providing reproductive health care.

Assembly Bill 2085 facilitates the development of community clinics that offer reproductive health services by streamlining the permitting process in areas already zoned for commercial or medical facilities. The bill mandates ministerial approval for such clinics, eliminating unnecessary delays often caused by local opposition. This legislation is a direct response to recent challenges faced by reproductive health providers in securing local approval, as seen in cities like Visalia, Fontana, and Los Angeles.

"Reproductive healthcare is desperately needed, especially in healthcare deserts," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "AB 2085 ensures California is living up to the status as a reproductive freedom state by ensuring physical access to care.”

Assembly Bill 2099 strengthens the California Freedom of Access to Clinics and Church Entrances (FACCE) Act by increasing penalties for violations. The bill imposes harsher consequences for individuals who engage in nonviolent physical obstruction or intimidation tactics against patients and providers.

"With the continued attacks on reproductive rights across the country, California must remain a safe haven for those seeking essential healthcare," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "AB 2099 sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any form of intimidation or violence against those accessing or providing reproductive health services."

Key provisions of AB 2099 include:

• Increased Penalties: Enhances the penalties for violations of the FACCE Act, including nonviolent physical obstruction and intimidation of reproductive health services patients and providers.
• Alternate Misdemeanor-Felony: Establishes stiff er penalties for repeat offenders, ensuring greater protection for individuals exercising their constitutional rights.

Both AB 2085 and AB 2099 garnered strong bipartisan support across legislative committees, underscoring the importance of reproductive health care access as an issue that transcends party lines. AB 2099 passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a unanimous 8-0 vote, and received 0 “No” votes on the Assembly Floor. Similarly, AB 2085 received significant backing, passing the Senate with a 31-8 vote. This broad legislative support highlights California’s united commitment to safeguarding patients’ rights and protecting providers from intimidation and obstruction.

Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan emphasized the significance of bipartisan cooperation in the fight for reproductive rights: "This overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle demonstrates that reproductive healthcare access is not just a partisan issue, but one of fundamental rights and public safety. It is crucial for patients and providers to have protection from threats and access to care without barriers."

“While California continues to lead in protecting universal and unfettered access to reproductive health care, anti-abortion extremists and hostile local lawmakers in California are intent on blocking people’s right to abortion care. AB 2099 and AB 2085 are necessary to address and mitigate these unjust encroachments by ensuring local lawmakers cannot arbitrarily interfere with the development of new reproductive health care centers, as well as that the FACE Act is able to be enforced to the fullest extent to protect patients and provider,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her ongoing dedication to supporting Planned Parenthood health centers and expanding access to reproductive health care in California. We are immensely proud to see these bills signed into law as we continue to work to fulfill the promise of a true reproductive freedom state, in which abortion access is without stigma and fear, nor dependent on where you live.”

These legislative victories come at a crucial time as California continues to lead the nation in defending reproductive freedom. AB 2085 and AB 2099 will provide essential protections for both patients and providers, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and legal reproductive health care without fear of harassment or obstruction.

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