The following release was emailed just after the leak of Dobbs opinion May 2:

“This is the nightmare scenario we in the reproductive health, rights, and justice space have been sounding the alarm about and especially once the U.S. Supreme Court had a conservative majority,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “The extreme conservatives on the Supreme Court have already shown their blatant disregard for constitutional rights when they allowed S.B. 8 to stand in Texas.

“And now, if this opinion truly is reflective of the final decision of the majority of the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, then even if abortion remains legal today, we are just days away from more than 26 states banning access to abortion services, essential and safe health care that has been a constitutional right for nearly 50 years. Make no mistake about it, the plan has always been to ban and criminalize abortion ever since 1973 when Roe v Wade was decided.

“To Californians, and people who may seek care here due to hostile bans in their home state, know this: Planned Parenthood health centers across California will remain open. They will remain willing to help. And we will do all we can to continue to provide abortion services to all who need it or seek it here in California….”

The California Future of Abortion Council, which Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is a leading member of, is supporting 13 bills this California legislative session to protect and expand access to abortion – all 13 have passed out of their policy committees in the first chamber.

From a Planned Parenthood release earlier on May 2:

Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California released the following statement from President and CEO Jodi Hicks in response to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon announcing a California constitutional amendment that would solidify abortion rights in the California constitution – increasing safeguards amidst the ongoing threat to the overturning of Roe v Wade, seemingly confirmed by news reports tonight:

“With this announcement, California is once again showing what it means to be a Reproductive Freedom state – reimagining what is possible when leaders center patients and prioritize health equity for all who need essential health care, including abortion services. While there are protections for abortion in California, we can and must do more because the other side will not back down, even if they win at the U.S. Supreme Court. We are proud to work alongside California leaders who stand up and fight when abortion rights and access are threatened and thank them for their leadership. There is no question the California way can and will meet this historic moment.”

Increasing protections is more important than ever after an exclusive in the Washington Post on Monday May 2, 2022 highlighted a new federal effort by right-wing politicians, many of whom are rumored to be presidential candidates in 2024, would attempt to enact a nationwide six-week ban on abortion.