California could become a ‘sanctuary’ for women seeking abortions if the supreme court overturns the historic Roe v Wade case.
On Wednesday, The California Future of Abortion Council made up of more than 40 abortions providers and advocacy groups, and lawmakers, released a list of 45 recommendations for California to consider if the high court over tuns the 48-year-old decisions that forbid states from outlawing abortion.
The recommendations, crafted with help from some of the state’s most important policymakers, including possibly paying for travel, lodging, and procedures for people from other states.
California’s coffers have soared throughout the pandemic, fueling a record budget surplus this year. In 2022, the state’s independent Legislative Analyst’s office predicts California will have a surplus of about $31 billion. Due to the surplus, the state may have the money to fund abortion services for patients from other states.
Last week, California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, told AP that California will be a ‘sanctuary,’ adding he’s aware patients will likely travel from other states to seek abortions. “We are looking at ways to support that inevitability and looking at ways to expand our protection.”
California already pays for abortions for many low-income residents through the state’s medical program. California is also one of six states that require private insurance companies to cover abortions.
More than two dozen states are poised to ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court gives them an OK next year. A new decision overturning Roe v Wade, which could come next summer, would be the culmination of more than 40 years of conservative activism.
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