Assembly panel advances bill to let nurse practitioners, midwives and PAs provide expanded abortion care

The California Assembly Business and Professions Committee voted to pass AB 19 73 as amended to the committee on health, advancing a measure that would allow advanced practice clinicians (APCs) — nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants — to provide a broader scope of abortion and reproductive-care services under state law.

Assemblymember Pellerin, who presented the bill on behalf of the majority leadership, told the committee that "California has led the nation in protecting reproductive freedom" and that AB 19 73 would reduce delays and expand timely access to care by authorizing trained APCs to practice "to the full extent of their training and proven competency." The bill’s sponsors said licensing and training requirements would remain in place.

Supporters pointed to workforce shortages and evidence from other states. Dr. Kelly Pfeiffer, a physician who trains APCs, said APCs have "demonstrated their competency and training" and urged the committee to approve the bill. Alyssa Shearer, a certified nurse practitioner, described clinical experience in rural regions where shortages force long travel and delay care.

Opponents raised safety and professional-discipline concerns. Leandra Wells of the California Family Council argued in opposition that "AB 19 73 expands procedures" and warned of elevated risks for later procedures; she also asserted the bill would shield out-of-state providers from discipline. Those claims were contested on the floor by other committee members, who urged accuracy in public testimony.

The committee accepted amendments and approved the bill on a roll-call vote. The motion was recorded as "passed as amended to the committee on health." Several members voted no during the roll call; the transcript records at least two explicit no votes (Assemblymember Chen and Assemblymember Hadwick). Supporters including Planned Parenthood affiliates, the California Nurse Midwives Association and reproductive-rights groups testified at the hearing.

Why it matters: AB 19 73 would broaden the pool of clinicians able to deliver time-sensitive reproductive care, potentially reducing travel, wait times and access gaps in underserved regions. Opponents say the changes raise patient-safety and discipline questions; committee members noted they will work with stakeholders on clarifications about care coordination.

What’s next: Under the committee’s action, the bill moves to the committee on health for further consideration.