Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s Reproductive Care Bill Passes the Assembly Floor

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s (D-Oakland) AB 40 passed the Assembly Floor with an urgency clause, allowing the provisions of the bill to go into effect immediately upon enactment. AB 40, the Protecting Pregnant Patients Act, would clarify in California state statute that abortion care is an emergency service, ensuring that no one in California would be turned away from care when they need it most.

“AB 40 simply clarifies the state law defining emergency services includes reproductive health services as necessary to relieve an emergency medical condition including abortion… Unfortunately, there have been instances where parents in the middle of a miscarriage or other pregnancy-related emergency have been turned away from an emergency room and told to go to another facility. This bill is a simple clarification of law,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta on the Assembly Floor.

“Abortion care is healthcare, plain and simple. It’s not up for debate when someone is bleeding or in pain or facing life-threatening pregnancy complications. It’s a medical necessity. Every second counts in an emergency. No one should have to beg for the care they need, especially in a moment of crisis,” said Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo on the Assembly Floor in support of the bill.

The bill will be heard next in the Senate Health Committee.

Full release from introduction.

###

Assemblymember Mia Bonta represents California’s 18^th Assembly District encompassing the East Bay including Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE.