Politics & Government

Bill to Increase Abortion Access Passes California State Assembly

The bill, sponsored by Coronado's representative Toni Atkins, would allow more health care workers to be trained to provide access to the procedure in underserved areas.

A bill allowing more access to early abortions has passed another hurdle, after being approved by the full Assembly. 

The bill, AB 154, put forth by Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, would help women find health-care officials to provide first-trimester abortions.  

In a statement, Atkins' office said more than half of the counties in the state have no abortion providers, limiting access to the procedure. The bill would allow nurses, physician's assistants and nurse-midwives to receive training to perform abortions in those underserved areas. 

“Women need quality health care in their own communities and without excessive wait times,” Atkins said in the statement.  “This is particularly true with abortion services, which are cheaper and less complicated earlier in a pregnancy. My bill improves the lives of women and their families.” 

Atkins also represents Coronado and Imperial Beach. Her bill will move on to the state Senate for review.


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