SAN JOSE, Calif. — Long before the Supreme Court’s bombshell decision Friday overturning Roe v. Wade, transforming reproductive rights for the first time in 50 years, California had laws protecting access to an abortion within its own borders.
Now, with Friday’s ruling, Democratic leaders are rapidly moving to shore up and expand access to abortion during this year’s legislative session, taking steps to protect doctors and secure the state’s “safe harbor” for those seeking abortions.
Legal experts predict courtroom battles between California and other states over whether doctors can be sued or prosecuted. Legislation would protect providers and further safeguard access to the procedure for Californians and an expected influx of out-of-state patients, they said.
