PHOENIX — California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is set to propose new legislation this week in response to the Arizona state legislature upholding an abortion ban that was originally passed in 1864.
Speaking on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki from a Planned Parenthood clinic in Sacramento, Newsom said he plans to introduce emergency legislation this week that would make it easier for doctors in Arizona to become certified to perform abortions in California.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El gobernador de California propone legislación para ayudar a arizonenses con abortos
"I think, really, we need to start focusing on making the kind of progress that's needed," Newsom said.
Newsom said he will introduce the legislation with California's Women's Caucus this week and plans for it to go into effect on May 1.
Governor Newsom's office said this legislation was inspired by a call to action from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D).
"Arizona AG Kris Mayes identified a need to expedite the ability for Arizona abortion providers to continue to provide care to Arizonans as a way to support patients in their state seeking abortion care in California," a statement to legislative news outlet The Hill read. "We are responding to this call and will have more details to share in the coming days."
Mayes said she is grateful to Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta for their partnership to expedite licensing for Arizona providers in California.
"Despite the decision by the (Arizona) Supreme Court to reimpose a near-total abortion ban, Arizonans still need reproductive health care," Mayes said in a post on X, formally known as Twitter.
This all goes back to April 9, when the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a 160-year-old law banning abortions, except for those necessary to save the mother's life, could go into effect. There are no exceptions for victims of rape or incest. Arizona House Republicans blocked the repeal of the Civil War-era law this past week.
RELATED: Attempt to repeal Arizona's 1864 abortion law fails in House, senators plan to introduce bill
The earliest that the law could be enforced is June 8, according to Mayes, due to a 45-day moratorium set by Isaacson v. the State of Arizona in 2022.
Arizona for Abortion Access Campaign Manager Cheryl Bruce told 12News women shouldn't need to travel across state lines to get an abortion, and their focus remains keeping access in Arizona.
"Frankly, I think that it’s tragic that we are talking about other states neighboring us having to pick up more of the burden," Bruce said.
Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod spoke on House Democrats' failed attempt to repeal the 1864 law on Sunday Square Off. She said she wants women to know there is care available for them in state.
“Over 40 pregnancy centers are in this state ready to help women facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. We are here to serve them and help them," Herrod said.
Newsom also reacted to a video of Republican legislators from Arizona cheering after blocking the attempt to repeal the law on Wednesday.
"The fact that we now have a ban (that) goes back to 1864 in the State of Arizona and they're celebrating. 1864. I thought the Republican Party wanted to put a wrecking ball to the 20th century. Now, they want to recreate the 19th century," Newsom said. "So, for me, it's chilling and goes well beyond just the issue of women's reproductive care."
12News has reached out to both the Arizona Republican and Democratic Parties for comment on Newsom's plan but has not yet heard back.
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