Published: Less than 2 hours ago
California is preparing to use up to $20 million from its budget to help women from other states get to its abortion clinics. A vote on the matter will be held this week.
After the US Supreme Court overturned “Roe v. Wade” in June, the ruling that guaranteed abortion rights since 1973, California Governor Gavin Newsom (Dem) promised that the state will become a sanctuary for women who want to have an abortion. However, he considered it “unrealistic” to use public funds for abortion trips other than within California. After heavy criticism, Newsom has now backed down.
California’s publicly funded endowment fund will also accept private donations. According to Newsom, this is important to cover costs.
“We all need to increase support for women who are denied reproductive freedoms by their state governments and forced to come to California for abortions,” said Newsom’s spokesperson Alex Stack.
The announcement is welcomed by the organization Planned Parenthood. The number of women, mainly from Texas and Arizona, seeking abortions in California has increased recently.
While several states enacted stricter abortion laws following HD’s decision, other states and cities have acted to support women using public funds. In Republican-controlled states, the governors of St. Louis, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio, have requested to help women with budget funds.
In Oregon, state politicians, who fear an abortion ban in neighboring Idaho, have agreed to spend $15 million to help women get abortions.