The subject of abortion rights was expected to emerge as the most important topic in the presidential race, but so far, the issue of illegal immigration has suppressed all other important topics that bother millions of Americans. The influx of immigrants trying to cross the border illegally in Texas and California in recent history continues to be the hottest topic as the November general election draws near. For team Biden, however, abortion rights remain one of the top priorities after the U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade in a historic and far-reaching decision in June 2022.
The abortion rights problem
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial decision, many Republican-led states have introduced total or near-total abortion ban laws that have sparked nationwide concerns. In response, many Democratic-led states enforced legislation that would further guarantee abortion rights and give women what they claim to be a ‘constitutional right.’ To make everything worse, Arizona’s Supreme Court in early April voted to restore an 1864 law that provided no exceptions for ra*e or in*est and allowed abortions only if the mother’s life was in jeopardy. The majority opinions suggested doctors could be prosecuted and sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted.
The fight for reproductive health care
Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has relegated the Civil War-era ban on most abortions to the past by recently signing a bill to repeal it. Hobbs says the move is just the beginning of a fight to protect reproductive health care in Arizona. The repeal of the 1864 law that the state Supreme Court recently reinstated won’t take effect until 90 days after the legislative session ends, which typically happens in June or July. But California made a quick move to respond to its neighboring state Supreme Court’s controversial decision in an effort to help those seeking an abortion.
New bill slams Arizona GOP
A bill from California that would let Arizona doctors provide abortions across state lines is now waiting for Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. He proposed this idea a month ago. Senate Bill 233 would create a faster process for Arizona doctors to be recognized in California, with a nonprofit covering their fees. The state Senate approved it with a vote of 30-8, following its passage in the state Assembly. Governor Newsom, who is currently visiting the Vatican, is likely to sign it into law soon, and it will be effective immediately.
“As much as we talk about women’s rights, the decision over one’s own body is still in question in the United States,” Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab said. “California is a state where we try to provide for every single community, especially our neighbors who are suffering.”
Hope for Arizonans
Governor Newsom believes that California can bridge an important gap for those in Arizona seeking abortions, especially since the Arizona ban might remain for a while due to legislative delays. California has been proactive, having passed around two dozen laws to strengthen abortion rights and access after the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the federal right to abortions in 2022. The state has also allocated over $200 million to enhance its abortion services infrastructure. However, challenges persist, such as opening new clinics and training healthcare providers. By allowing Arizona doctors to work in California, the state hopes to alleviate some of these pressures.
Sensitive period
Although this move by California lawmakers is welcomed by Democrats, it comes at a sensitive time when the state grapples with a massive budget deficit that prompted lawmakers and Gov. Newsom to make huge spending cuts. According to the latest budget proposal, Newsom has eliminated many of his very own policies, cancelled grants aimed at supporting the state’s economy and helping the people of California, and even eliminated some serious tax deductions that benefited both individuals and businesses that operate in the Golden State.
