Newsom signs privacy laws for abortion providers and patients

Governor of California Gavin NewsomGavin NewsomFeehery: The Trust Game Biden Administration Launches New National Initiative to Tackle Homelessness Equity is key to resilience – three ways make it a priority MORE (D) on Wednesday signed two laws to protect the privacy of abortion providers and patients.

“California has been a leader in protecting access to sexual and reproductive rights, but as we’ve seen recently with unprecedented attacks on these rights, we can and must do more,” Newsom said in a statement. communicated.

“I applaud the creation of the California Future of Abortion Council and look forward to its important work in advancing our state’s leadership on this vital issue,” he said. “I am proud today to sign these two bills that demonstrate our commitment to further strengthen and protect access to reproductive health services in California.

In a statement announcing the signing of the two bills, Newsom’s office noted the recent passage of Texas’ six-week abortion ban, calling it one of many “attacks on sexual health care. and reproductive rights “arose in the United States.

A California bill, AB 1356, increases penalties for crimes that violate California’s Freedom of Clinic Law. The law prohibits the publication on the Internet of the telephone number and home address of an abortion provider, volunteer patient or clinic employee.

It also prohibits taking photos and videos of patients and providers within 100 feet of a clinic that performs abortions.

The other bill signed by Newsom, AB 1184, is designed to protect the privacy of those receiving reproductive health services as well as gender confirming care by ensuring their information remains private if it is not the primary policyholder of their health insurance.

The signing of these two laws in California comes the same week by the Texas government. Greg AbbottGreg AbbottBudowsky: Newsom skyrockets as Trump, Abbott and DeSantis ratings lag Biden launches investigation into Texas school mask mandate ban Texas governor signs more abortion restrictions in PLUS law (R) signed a new abortion bill further restricting access.

The new law prohibits the use of drugs that induce abortions seven weeks after the onset of pregnancy and allows people who knowingly break this law to be criminally charged, potentially charged with thousands of dollars in fines and imprisonment up to go up to two years.