California Future of Abortion Council

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 policy makers, 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. On December 8, 2021 the CA FAB Council released a blueprint outlining 45 policy recommendations policymakers can implement to better prepare California as the threat to abortion rights and access continues to grow, including the possibility that Roe v Wade could be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and the constitutional right to abortion be taken from millions of people across the country.

Here's what California leaders are saying..

Governor Gavin Newsom

“At a time when reproductive rights and women’s health care are under attack in this country, California is stepping up to meet the moment – we’re proud to have enacted some of the strongest reproductive freedom measures in the nation, and we’re proud to have helped advance the California Future of Abortion Council. We take seriously the recommendations made in this report as California continues to lead the nation in protecting such fundamental rights.”

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

“With the future of Roe v. Wade on the line and access to reproductive care under constant attack across our country, California’s Future of Abortion Council (FAB) has provided a set of bold, thoughtful and clear recommendations for California to build on and expand reproductive access across our state. As more people seek access in California, it is imperative that we act now. I look forward to working with the Council, the Governor and the legislature to ensure that California continues to set the example for equitable, affordable and evidence-based reproductive healthcare.”

Attorney General Rob Bonta

“I’m proud of California and the work we’re leading to advance reproductive rights — not just for those who live here, but for those who need to travel here to exercise their rights. There is no question about it, reproductive freedom is under a near-constant, coordinated attack in our country. That is why I’m grateful for the members of the FAB Council, for their leadership in identifying barriers we may face, and their efforts to develop a path forward. We must ensure California remains a safe place for those seeking essential reproductive healthcare and for those who provide that care. My office will continue to work with the Council, and do our part to oppose laws that place unconstitutional bans and restrictions on abortion access.”

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins

“When I ran clinic services for a women's health center, I saw countless individuals who needed information, services, and support. Working with the FAB Council, my colleagues and I will ensure Californians and people from every state can get the reproductive health services they need in a safe and timely way—and that all our rights remain enshrined in law. This is crunch time, but we will not be dragged into the past. California will keep leading for the future.”

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

“‘California’s role as a leader in sexual and reproductive health care is more important than ever. That’s what I said three months ago, when this group was launched and it’s even more true today. The needs outlined here are real. We need to continue to protect and expand access to care, including abortion. I’m committed to working with advocates and with my Senate counterpart, President Pro Tem Atkins, to keep this moving forward and to guarantee choice.”

Quotes from CA Future of Abortion Council Leaders

ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE Executive Director Jessica Pinckney said:

“ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE has been honored to participate in the California Future of Abortion Council, leading the work to ensure that practical supports such as transportation, lodging, childcare, and other emotional and financial support are prioritized as we further strengthen access to abortion in California and prepare for an influx of patients from other states. Abortion funds and practical support organizations have long supported individuals in transportation to and from their appointments or money for gas, lodging for overnight stays, support with childcare, among other supports, however, the unmet need far exceeds what we are able to support. The policy recommendations made in the FAB Council report are integral to filling the gaps in abortion access that exist for Californians and those in our sibling states.”

Black Women for Wellness Action Project Policy Analyst Onyenma Obiekea said:

“Abortion care is an essential component of reproductive justice, which is only realized when people have tangible access to care. Black Women for Wellness Action Project is committed to fighting for a world in which individuals are truly free to determine if, when and how to have a family. Centered in these values we are proud to participate as one of the co-conveners of the CA FAB Council. This set of recommendations represents California's commitment to exploring innovative strategies and implementing policy solutions that ensures that everyone can enjoy the full scope of their reproductive rights.”

Essential Health Access Chief External Affairs Officer Amy Moy said:

“Abortion is essential health care. It’s outrageous that in 2021, the fundamental and constitutional right to make personal decisions about pregnancy is up for debate. California has a wide range of legal protections on the books, but abortion access continues to be out of reach for people with lower-incomes and individuals living in rural regions. These inequities can no longer be tolerated. As a majority of Supreme Court Justices appear ready to undermine the bodily autonomy of millions and allow extreme abortion restrictions to stand, California can and must go further and do more to ensure that anyone seeking abortion services within our borders can get the care they want, when and where they need it.”

NARAL Pro-Choice America Vice President of Communications & Research Kristin Ford said:

“Just last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that puts Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion at risk. This case comes as states across the country are attacking access at every turn. If Roe is overturned and the 26 states expected to ban abortion access do so, California will become one of the few places where people can access the abortion care they need. We must be ready to meet this moment so California can continue to be a Reproductive Freedom State for everybody. NARAL Pro-Choice California is proud to be a member of the California Future of Abortion Council, and to champion these policy recommendations to ensure every person who needs abortion care in California can access it.”

National Health Law Program Director of Reproductive and Sexual Health Fabiola Carrion said:

“As the future of abortion rights and access hangs in the balance, the National Health Law Program is proud to be part of the California Future of Abortion Council. An organization that defends health care rights for low-income and underserved individuals and communities, NHeLP reiterates that abortion is health care. With the creation of the FAB Council, California is working towards a future where abortion isn’t just legal – but also accessible, affordable, and supported for anyone who steps foot in our state. Lack of abortion access hardest on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, immigrants, and those having difficulty making ends meet. The fundamental right to make decisions about our bodies, lives, and futures is essential to the pursuit of health equity and racial, reproductive, and economic justice. 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:

“Planned Parenthood health centers throughout California have already been feeling the impact of restrictive abortion laws — serving 7,000 out-of-state people in the prior year as well as seeing patients from Texas in the weeks after Senate Bill 8 went into effect. There is no question these recommendations are what we need to best prepare the state and health centers for the dramatic increase our state could see should Roe v Wade be overturned by the Supreme Court.”

“We hope the hard work done by 40+ organizations to put this report together will drive California lawmakers into action in the coming months to build upon our state’s status as a Reproductive Freedom state. We cannot wait and risk delayed care for people within California and for those who come here for care. This report provides the blueprint for bold solutions and bold action to ensure abortion is available, affordable, and accessible for anyone who needs it.”

Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare (TEACH) Executive Director Flor Hunt said:

“We are in an unprecedented time, where the fundamental right to bodily autonomy is under review, and where much of the country is poised to take a giant 50-year step back. As one of the many organizations working to protect critical access to abortion for all who need it, TEACH is proud to be part of this powerful and proactive effort to ensure that everyone in California has access to skilled, non-judgmental and compassionate abortion care. In these fraught times, it is imperative that we take the lead and provide a shining example of what it means to protect the reproductive freedom of all.”

The following organizations participated in and support the work of the CA FAB Council: ACLU Northern California; ACLU Southern California; ACLU California Action; Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH); Advocates for Youth; All* Above All; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District IX; California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom; California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls; California Nurse Midwives Association; California Latinas for Reproductive Justice; California Medical Association; California Women’s Health Specialists; Coalition Abortion Alliance; FPA Women’s Health; Hollywood NOW; If/When/Now: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice; MYA Network; Office of Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan; Office of the Governor of California Gavin Newsom; Office of the Senate President pro Tempore Senator Toni G. Atkins; Plan C Pills; Planned Parenthood California Central Coast; Planned Parenthood Los Angeles; Planned Parenthood Mar Monte; Planned Parenthood of Northern California; Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties; Planned Parenthood Pacific Southwest; Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley; The Feminist Women’s Health Centers of California; UC Davis Health; UCLA Law Center on Reproductive Health, Law and Policy; UCSF Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS); UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health; UCSF Team Lily & HIVE; URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity; Women’s Foundation California; Women’s Options Center, San Francisco General Hospital; Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project.

Key Articles & Coverage

The New York Times: California Positions Itself as a ‘Refuge’ of Abortion Rights

The Washington Post: California plans to be abortion sanctuary if Roe overturned

The Sacramento Bee: Cut abortion costs and pay more to providers, California’s new abortion council urges

AP News:California plans to be abortion sanctuary if Roe overturned

KQED: State Council Recommends Making California an Abortion 'Sanctuary' if Supreme Court Overturns Roe

Reuters: Groups push to make California a haven for abortion rights