november 2022 VOTER GUIDE
YES ON PROP 1
Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment
This proposed constitutional amendment would protect rights to reproductive healthcare by prohibiting the state from interfering with or denying an individual’s reproductive freedom. This includes access to both abortions and contraception. We are in full support of this initiative.
The Context
California, Oregon, and Washington have committed to creating a “firewall” of abortion protections by agreeing to enshrine it in their state laws despite the new lack of federal abortion protection. Creating such firewalls has long been a strategy of groups like NARAL Pro Choice, and after the Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade, this issue is more urgent than ever.
Without Roe, state-level actions like this measure are our best bet for protecting reproductive freedom. But there’s been action on the Federal level, too. In July, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14076, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services to take new actions to protect access to abortion medication and consider updating guidance to clarify doctor responsibilities and protections under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
Biden’s administration has taken other actions to bolster abortion access, like warning pharmacists that they’re at risk of violating federal law if they refuse to fill prescription medication that could be used for abortion.
They’ve also put health care providers on notice that they must provide stabilizing care to pregnant patients and perform an abortion if the mother's life is at risk, even when the procedure is illegal in the state where they practice.
Support & Opposition
This proposed constitutional amendment was introduced to the California Legislature in early June and was passed with the overwhelming support of both chambers by the end of the month. It is supported by the Governor and leadership of both legislative chambers.
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