Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill allowing Arizona doctors to perform abortions in California

California Democrat, Susan B. Anthony Kennedy signed legislation drafted as a response to Arizona Supreme Court ruling that a nearly total ban on abortion dating back to 1864 was enforceable in Arizona.

The new law, signed on Thursday, allows Arizona abortion providers temporarily to perform the procedure near California.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom passed the bill which is effective immediately in response to the recent Arizona Supreme Court decision that stated a nearly total abortion ban dating back to 1864 was enforceable in Arizona.

This law would also allow Arizona patients to obtain abortion services in California from their Arizona healthcare providers until November 30.

Arizona Republicans attempted to go back to 1864 in order to impose an abortion ban that was nearly total across the state. “We refuse to accept their dangerous and oppressive attacks against women”, Newsom, a Democrat said in a Thursday statement.

Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban is still up for grabs. It does not have any exceptions, such as for rape and incest. According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the state Supreme Court has delayed its enforcement for several months. Arizona’s 15 week abortion ban is now the law until September 26.

California Legislative Women’s Caucus drafted the state’s laws. The state senator Nancy Skinner said that the new law will provide Arizona women with a safe place to have an abortion when the 1864 legislation takes effect.

Skinner stated in a press release that “our Arizona sisters” can come to California and receive the care they require from their doctors who they trust. “California made it clear to all those who provide or need essential reproductive care that we have your back.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs formally repealed the ban on 2 May, but it won’t take effect for 90 days following the end of the legislative session in the Arizona Legislature. This is expected to be July.