Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Releases 2022 Legislative Scorecard
January 26, 2023
Jennifer Wonnacott
Sacramento – Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) released its annual legislative scorecard for the 2022 Legislative year, with 80 members, all Democrats, receiving a 100% score*. More than a dozen bills across issue areas to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care were scored. The list of PPAC sponsored legislation and top budget priorities can be found in the scorecard.
“There has never been a more important legislative year in California history for reproductive health care than 2022 was,” said Jodi Hicks, PPAC President & CEO. “In the fall of 2021, it became clear at least some parts of Roe were in real danger. And as more states began to pass hostile and extreme bans, California took a holistic response not seen anywhere else. With Roe gone and knowing bans continue to limit access for millions, with more restrictions on the horizon, the Legislature took imperative action to pass last year’s historic legislation, ensuring California remains a reproductive freedom state for all. And the bold legislative package now serves as a blueprint for many other states seeking to take proactive action.”
The PPAC Scorecard is intended to provide the public with information about how their state legislators voted on these important issues and represents the top priorities for a given year based on legislative votes and actions. The PPAC Scorecard considers a member’s vote or action during a critical opportunity to vote and/or their role in procedurally holding or delaying a priority bill.
In addition to the top priorities, PPAC supported more than 80 additional bills and budget items impacting Planned Parenthood patients, operations, and mission. This includes bills related to maternal health, racism as a public health crisis, access to menstrual products, health care coverage and payments, infrastructure to support telehealth, foster youth wellbeing, LGBTQ+ rights, behavioral health, intimate partner violence, access to comprehensive education, and health equity. A number of the additional bills that PPAC supported were part of the CA Future of Abortion Council recommendations.
When the Dobbs decision was leaked in early Spring, it was clear that Roe v. Wade would be eviscerated, removing all federal protections for abortion rights. The Legislature took swift action to introduce Senate Constitutional Amendment 10, which soared through the Senate and Assembly and ultimately became Proposition 1, which voters cast ballots for in November. While the measure ultimately passed with more than 65 percent of voter approval, it was the Legislature’s determination to place it on the 2022 ballot that is what ultimately led to abortion rights being enshrined in the California State Constitution.
“The determination and leadership of dozens of legislators who co-authored SCA 10 is what allowed California to make history in November,” added Hicks. “But it was the steadfast resolve of Senate pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), a Steering Committee Member of the FAB Council, who asserted the need and urgency to protect reproductive health care in California and we extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to her for that work.”
As states across the country continue to restrict or outright ban access to abortions, California will continue to expand access to care and ensure that no matter where you live, you can receive the essential health care you need and want.
“We are proud to recognize the legislative champions who stood strong on Planned Parenthood policy and funding priorities to protect access for abortion, among other key issues last year. We have shown that rest of the world what we stand for, but the work is not done,” concluded Hicks. “Access to abortion must not just be an empty promise. We must work to ensure that community health centers and providers throughout California have the capacity to continue accepting patients.”
*A 100% score does not mean a legislator has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.
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