FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 25, 2022
CONTACT Information Below
ICYMI: California Future of Abortion Council Leadership Reacts to Legislative Women’s Caucus Proposals to Protect and Expand Access to Abortion
In case you missed it, the California Future of Abortion Council (CA FAB Council) Steering Committee, comprised of ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, National Health Law Program, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare, reacted to the California Legislative Women’s Caucus announcing a united campaign to protect and expand access to abortion and numerous legislative proposals that align with the CA FAB Council report issued last month.
ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE Executive Director Jessica Pinckney said:
“ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE is grateful for the leadership of the Legislative Women’s Caucus for their immediate and active push to improve abortion access in California. The California Future of Abortion Council has worked tirelessly to address the direct concerns of those seeking abortions throughout the state. To have these efforts addressed by the LWC ensures that Black, Indigenous, People of Color, low-income folks, disabled folks, queer, transgender and gender non-binary folks, im(migrants), young folks, unhoused folks, other historically marginalized communities and those living at the intersections of these identities are centered as we work to ensure that California is truly a safe haven for those seeking abortion.”
Black Women For Wellness Action Project Policy Analyst Onyemma Obiekea said:
“As we commemorate the 49th anniversary of Roe and simultaneously grapple with the very real threat of its demise, Black Women for Wellness Action Project commends the California Legislative Women’s Caucus for meeting this critical moment with courage. Bold and innovative steps to ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare services, inclusive of abortion care, are necessary for all individuals to be able to determine if, when and how to have a family. We are encouraged by California legislative leadership’s demonstrated commitment to protect folks’ ability to exercise the full scope of their reproductive rights and look forward to working with the Caucus to implement policy solutions that advance reproductive justice in our state.”
Essential Access Health’s Chief External Affairs Office Amy Moy said:
“The California Legislative Women’s Caucus marked the 49th anniversary of Roe with members of the CA Future of Abortion Council, and announced a united campaign to expand and strengthen access to essential reproductive health services statewide. It's a good day for Californians and anyone seeking abortion care in our state. Thank you Pro Tem Senator Toni Atkins, Asm. Garcia, and Sen. Nancy Skinner for your leadership and commitment to reproductive health and justice for all. We are proud to be a member of the CA Future of Abortion Council to advance a comprehensive policy agenda and ensure access to abortion services is a reality for all Californians and anyone in need of care.”
NARAL Pro-Choice America Vice President of Communications & Research Kristin Ford said:
“It is imperative that California build upon its status as a Reproductive Freedom State, particularly as access to abortion nationwide is under extreme threat. As a founding member of the California Future of Abortion Council, NARAL Pro-Choice California is thrilled to partner with the California Legislative Women’s Caucus to further ensure that both Californians and those seeking abortion care from out of state have access to the care they need. With the Supreme Court poised to hand down a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, later this year, policymakers in California must take swift action to prepare California to meet this moment.”
National Health Law Program Director of Reproductive and Sexual Health Fabiola Carrión said:
“The stakes could not be higher during this 49th anniversary of the landmark case Roe v. Wade. As the Supreme Court will soon decide whether to reverse or severely weaken it, we are delighted to work with the Legislative Women’s Caucus to protect the abortion rights of everyone who steps foot in California. We continue to proclaim: abortion is health care. We commend our California legislative leaders’ commitment continue to protect access to the full range of essential reproductive health services, including abortion, for every single person in our state. Thanks to these initiatives, California is working towards a future where abortion isn’t just legal – but also accessible, affordable, and supported for everyone. We are ready to work with our state policy makers to meet this crucial moment in our nation’s history.”
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President and CEO Jodi Hicks said:
“While there is a lot to be dismayed about around abortion…today offers hope for Californians and everyone who may be forced to seek abortion care in California due to extreme restrictions in their own state. The leadership of the Legislative Women’s Caucus is precisely what Californians are looking for in their elected officials. We look forward to continuing this critical work with policymakers in the coming weeks and months, using the California Future of Abortion Council report as a blueprint to build upon California’s national leadership as a Reproductive Freedom state and ensure we continue to break down barriers for those who live here, as well as be a beacon and haven for people across the country.” [LINK]
Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare (TEACH) Executive Director Flor Hunt said:
“As we commemorate the 49th anniversary of Roe V. Wade, there doesn't seem to be much cause for celebration outside California. As an organization that trains physicians in abortion care, we are acutely aware of the devastating impact that abortion bans and other restrictions are having across the country. Thankfully, California policy makers are showing true leadership and stepping up to meet the moment. TEACH is grateful to the California Legislative Women’s Caucus for standing with abortion providers and those accessing abortions in our state. We look forward to a continued partnership between The California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the California Future of Abortion Council to ensure abortion is accessible to all and treated like the healthcare it is.”
For more information about the work of the CA FAB Council, a newly created website: CAFABCouncil.org has launched and is accompanied by a video featuring Governor Newsom, Senate President Toni Atkins, CA FAB Council steering committee members, and Dr. Daniel Grossman in which they discuss the importance of the CA FAB Council’s work and why California must continue to build upon its status as a Reproductive Freedom state.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Brandon Richards, Director of Communications
Brandon.Richards@PPACCA.org, 916.233.3758
NARAL Pro-Choice California
Elliott Kozuch, Senior Communications Strategist
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The “California Future of Abortion Council” (CA FAB Council) is comprised of reproductive freedom and sexual and reproductive health care allies, partners, and leaders. The CA FAB Council works in collaboration with policymakers, researchers, advocates, providers, patients, and key constituents to determine potential challenges in the state and recommend solutions that will continue to provide access and stability for both Californians and those who may seek services here from out of state. The CA FAB Council allows for those dedicated to protecting reproductive rights and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care to come together. Learn more here.
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