Arizona abortion providers will be permitted to provide care to state residents seeking abortions in California under a new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The bill was championed by the California Women's Caucus, a bipartisan group of female legislators in the Golden State.
"For many years, but especially since the Dobbs decision" canceling women's constitutional rights to abortion, the "California Legislative Women's Caucus has led on all of the legislative responses to the attacks on abortion and reproductive rights," Democratic California Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry said in a statement.
"Arizona's courts think Arizonans should live in 1864. So, to Arizona people of child-bearing age, and those who love and support them, we have your back; At least until you get the chance to reverse this attack on your rights on the Arizona ballot this November," she added.
In April, the Arizona Supreme Court issued a ruling which reinstated an 1864 ban on abortions, provoking an outcry from reproductive rights activists and raising concerns about Republicans who feared the law would torpedo their chances of winning the state.
One month later Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed a bill repealing the Civil War-era law. But the law doesn't take effect until 90 days after the state legislature adjourns.
Until then, the court ruling upholding the ban has been stayed until late September, but court challenges will likely continue, creating a murky future for abortion access.
"Arizona's leaders have taken heroic steps to block the reimposition of the 1864 abortion ban," said a statement from Newsom's office.
"But given the uncertainty and confusion the Arizona Supreme Court's decision has caused, California jumped in to assure Arizonans that they will continue to be able to access the reproductive health care they need and deserve if the 1864 ban goes into effect."
If the 1864 ban does go into effect, licensed Arizona abortion care providers in good standing will be allowed to perform abortions and provide abortion-related care in California until November 30.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President Jodi Hicks praised the new law, adding that her organization would "work to ensure that all who are forced to leave their home state to access abortion care can get the services they need and deserve in California."
