Written By: Chris Dolan and Vanessa Deniston
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, California has emerged as a beacon of hope for reproductive rights. The state’s lawmakers, having anticipated this moment, were prepared with immediate and aggressive action to protect and expand access to abortion care.
On the very day of the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1666, a law designed to shield patients and providers from civil liability related to out-of-state abortion bans. This swift action set the tone for California’s commitment to being a safe haven for reproductive healthcare.
Since then, California has taken significant steps to strengthen its position. In a landmark move, voters passed Proposition 1 on November 8, 2022, explicitly enshrining the right to abortion and contraception in the state constitution. This amendment declares that the state shall not interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom, including the right to choose abortion and contraceptives.
The state legislature has been equally proactive, passing a series of laws to bolster reproductive rights. These include AB 2091, which enhances privacy protections for medical records related to abortion care, and AB 2626, which protects abortion providers from having their medical licenses revoked for performing legal abortions. SB 1142 established an “Abortion Support Fund” to assist patients, including out-of-state travelers, with practical and logistical support.
Governor Newsom has continued to champion reproductive rights, signing multiple bills to expand access and protections. In September 2023, he approved nine bills strengthening protections for California patients and providers, as well as those traveling from other states seeking care. The governor has also made a substantial financial commitment, investing more than $240 million to protect and expand access to reproductive health care in California.
The impact of these efforts has been significant. California has seen a marked increase in abortion services since the Dobbs decision, with providers performing over 12,000 more abortions than expected. The state’s abortion information website has received hundreds of thousands of visits, with more than half coming from outside California.
As other states impose restrictions on reproductive rights, California remains committed to being a sanctuary state. The state continues to lead the nation in protecting reproductive rights, with ongoing efforts to ensure access to medication abortion and other essential services.
California’s proactive approach extends to addressing potential federal challenges. In May 2024, Governor Newsom signed SB 233, allowing licensed Arizona doctors to temporarily provide abortion care to Arizona patients in California, in response to Arizona’s near-total abortion ban ruling.
However, challenges loom on the horizon. Project 2025, a right-wing blueprint for Trump’s presidency, targets California with an ultimatum that would require the state to start reporting abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control or risk losing critical Medicaid funding. If implemented, this could result in California losing at least $300 million a year in funding for abortions, family planning, and contraception for millions of low-income residents.
In response, California lawmakers are working to strengthen the state’s position as a reproductive rights sanctuary. Assembly Bill 260, introduced in January 2025, aims to ensure continued access to care, including abortion and gender-affirming care. Assembly Bill 1500, introduced in February 2025, proposes legislation for an awareness campaign on abortion services within the state.
California has also taken steps to protect the privacy of those seeking reproductive healthcare. The state’s abortion information website ensures that visitor information is not saved or tracked. The Attorney General’s office has issued a consumer alert on reproductive data privacy, providing guidelines on protecting sensitive information while seeking reproductive or abortion care.
For out-of-state patients, California offers numerous resources and support. Organizations like ACCESS Reproductive Justice and the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project provide funding and logistical support for those traveling to California for abortion care. The state has allocated more than $200 million to help pay for travel costs, cover uninsured care, support healthcare facilities and providers, and bolster security.
As the landscape of reproductive rights continues to evolve, California remains committed to being a beacon of hope and a safe haven for those seeking reproductive healthcare, regardless of where they call home. The state’s efforts serve as a model for protecting and expanding access to abortion care in a post-Roe landscape, building a golden parapet of reproductive rights that extends far beyond its borders.
For further information regarding the bills currently under consideration by the California legislature, please visit at: Dolan Law Firm Blog.
For more information on Dolan Law Firm, you can go to Dolanlawfirm.com.
Christopher B. Dolan is the owner of the Dolan Law Firm. Vanessa Deniston is a senior associate attorney in our Oakland, CA office. We serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California from our offices in San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles. Email questions and topics for future articles to: help@dolanlawfirm.com. Each situation is different, and this column does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with an experienced trial attorney to fully understand your rights.
