Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) introduced two proposals on Monday that will guarantee that patients’ legal right to an abortion is respected and that they have easy access to safe abortion facilities. This represents a major advancement for reproductive rights in California. The two measures, AB 2085 and AB 2099, deal with important clinic growth and patient and provider protection from doxing and harassment.
Assemblywoman Bauer-Kahan underlined the vital connection between access to and abortion rights, especially in California regions with limited access to reproductive health care. “Without access to abortion, abortion rights are meaningless. Despite the fact that some Californian areas are total reproductive health care deserts, local anti-abortion organizations continue to obstruct the construction of new clinics, the speaker said.
With the introduction of restricted zoning exemptions intended just for clinic building, AB 2085 suggests a more efficient procedure for clinic development. The purpose of the measure is to remove needless barriers that prevent the construction of facilities for reproductive health care, guaranteeing that vulnerable populations receive vital services.
Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan confirmed that “AB 2085 expands essential health care access to our state’s most vulnerable communities.”
The second bill, AB 2099, deals with the increasing intimidation and threats that abortion physicians and patients must deal with. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan brought attention to the growing attacks on abortion facilities following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, as well as the possible threats posed by extremist organizations.
“As Roe v. Wade was overturned, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of assaults and harassments at abortion facilities. By putting patients’ private information online, extremist groups can seriously jeopardize clinics with hardly any repercussions, the speaker said.
By revising the sanctions for pestering patients and providers and invading their privacy, AB 2099 aims to buck this trend. The purpose of the law is to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of individuals by giving them legal safeguards when seeking or offering necessary healthcare services.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Vice President of Government Affairs Molly Robson thanked Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her commitment to reproductive rights. “AB 2085 and AB 2099 uphold California’s pledge to guarantee access to reproductive healthcare and abortion, and they forbid any meddling with rights that are guaranteed by the constitution. Planned Parenthood is appreciative of Assemblywoman Bauer-Kahan’s unwavering dedication to these causes.
