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AB 40 would clarify California emergency-care law covers reproductive emergencies including abortion
Summary
AB 40 would amend California emergency-services law to explicitly state that reproductive health services, including abortion, are covered emergency care; supporters said the change is needed after recent federal guidance changes, opponents raised concerns about singling out abortion.
Assemblymember (author) opened the AB 40 presentation by saying the bill "simply clarifies that state law defining emergency services includes reproductive health services, including abortion." She framed the bill as a response to recent federal action withdrawing guidance around the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), saying the change has created confusion for providers.
"No one facing an emotional, vulnerable, and potentially life‑threatening emergency should be denied care, told to go home, or forced to drive to the next hospital," Assemblymember Bonta told the committee. "Abortion is health care, including emergency care. And this…
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