PHOENIX — A new measure signed into law Thursday temporarily allows Arizona abortion providers to perform the procedure in neighboring California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, which takes effect immediately, in response to a recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling that a near-total ban on abortion from 1864 is applicable in the state.
The law would also allow patients to receive abortion services from their Arizona health care providers in California until November 30.
“Arizona Republicans tried to turn back the clock to 1864 to impose a near-total ban on abortion throughout their state. We refuse to stand by and acquiesce in their oppressive and dangerous attacks on women,” the Democratic governor said in a statement Thursday.
The fate of Arizona’s 1864 prohibition, which has no exceptions for rape or incest, remains up in the air. The state Supreme Court delayed its enforcement for several months, meaning Arizona’s 15-week abortion ban will be the law of the land by Sept. 26, according to the Arizona attorney general’s office.
The California Legislative Women’s Caucus took the reins in crafting the state’s legislation. Its chair, state Sen. Nancy Skinner, said the new law could provide Arizona women with a safe haven for abortion when the 1864 law takes effect.
“Our Arizona sisters can come to California to get the health care they need from their own doctors they know and trust,” Skinner said in a statement. “California has made it clear to everyone who needs or provides essential reproductive care: we have your back.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed the repeal of the ban on May 2, but that repeal will not take effect until 90 days after the end of the state legislature’s legislative session, which will likely occur in July.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
