Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) released the following statement from President/CEO Jodi Hicks regarding the final passage of AB 1356 (Bauer-Kahan), legislation that strengthens safety and security laws for reproductive health centers throughout California:

“2021 has been the worst year for abortion restrictions since Roe became the law of the land in 1973. Since the beginning of the year, according to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, nearly 600 restrictions have been introduced across the country. With bans like these, particularly the one allowed to remain in effect in Texas, California’s role as a Reproductive Freedom state becomes even more crucial. Planned Parenthood looks forward to continuing to work with Governor Newsom, the state legislature, and other key offices across California to build on the progress our state has made to expand access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion.

AB 1356 makes it illegal, within 100 feet of a reproductive health center to intentionally video or photograph a patient or provider without consent with the intent to intimidate the person, and prohibits doxing, putting identifying information about an individual online with malicious intent, of providers and patients. This bill also encourages law enforcement to prosecute individuals who do this and will update training related to anti-reproductive rights crimes.”