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Gov. Newsom Signs Emergency Bill SB 233 Allowing Arizona Doctors to Perform Abortions in California

May 23, 2024, 09:40 PM

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed an emergency bill, SB 233, allowing Arizona doctors to temporarily perform abortions in California. This legislation is a response to the recent Arizona Supreme Court decision that upheld a near-total abortion ban based on a law dating back to 1864. The Arizona law, which will take effect next month, bans nearly all abortions in the state. Newsom's bill aims to provide a critical stopgap for Arizona patients and providers affected by the restrictive law. The new California law grants Arizona doctors temporary, emergency licenses to perform abortions, ensuring continued access to reproductive healthcare for Arizona residents. The current Arizona law allows abortion through the 15th week of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. The 1864 ban was initially expected to take effect on June 8 but has been pushed back to September 26.