California is in a unique position – while our reproductive freedoms and ability to make choices about our own bodies are constitutionally protected, the same does not hold true in other areas of the country. We have seen it before, and unfortunately, we are seeing it again in legal cases that threaten reproductive freedoms.

Years ago, I saw firsthand the impact of restricted access on women and families. I spent the early part of my career working for a women’s health clinic, and served as director of clinical services. I talked directly with women who had found their way to our clinic for assistance because they lived in states with restricted access. I met a mother who lost her daughter due to an illegal abortion. We can’t afford to let extremists turn back the clock on our rights.

The California Legislature knows that access to services is key within the spectrum of health, which is why we have consistently taken action to further protect and expand reproductive rights and access to services in our state. From passing legislation requiring the University of California and California State University systems’ student health centers to offer abortion by medication, to providing critical budgetary support for reproductive healthcare services and programs, our actions and investments speak to our resolve to uphold the rights of Californians and all who come here.

My colleagues and I are grateful for the partnership of the California Future of Abortion Council, and for our collective efforts to protect quality healthcare and access to family planning options. In the coming months and years ahead, we will remain steadfast in that commitment – for ourselves, for our daughters and sons, our gender-fluid and non-binary loved ones, and all those who come after us. Together, we can shape public policy so that California can keep forging ahead along the path of progress and understanding, and continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of our nation.

The above is an introductory letter to a report by FAB (Future of Abortion) signed by former abortion clinic manager and now president pro-tem of the California Senate, Toni Atkins.

ca_fab_council_report_

Groups signing the report include:

ACLU of Northern California

ACLU of Southern California

ACLU California Action

Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH)

Advocates for Youth All* Above All

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District IX

California Abortion AllianceCalifornia Coalition for Reproductive Freedom

California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

California Nurse-Midwives Association California Latinas for Reproductive Justice California Medical Association
California Women’s Health Specialists FPA Women’s Health

Hollywood NOW
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice

Office of Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

Office of the Governor of California Gavin Newsom

Planned Parenthood California Central Coast

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte

Planned Parenthood of Northern California

Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties

Planned Parenthood Pacific Southwest

Planned Parenthood Pasadena San Gabriel Valley

Plan C Pills

MYA Network

The Feminist Women’s Health Centers of California

UC Davis Health

UCLA Law Center on Reproductive Health, Law and Policy

UCLA Health

UCSF Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS)

UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health UCSF Team Lily & HIVE
URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity Women’s Foundation California

Women’s Options Center, San Francisco General Hospital

Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project