California Eyeing to Place Abortion Rights in State Constitution After Roe v. Wade Repeal

California lawmakers are expected to put a state constitutional amendment on the ballot that would protect reproductive rights in the state.

The New York Times reported that the amendment would go to California voters in November for approval. It comes as states across the country react to the Supreme Court decision repealing the longstanding decision landmark Roe v. Wade.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has promised to "fight like hell" for the abortion rights in the state to remain. He has signed a bill on Friday shielding California abortion providers from liability or prosecution related to out-of-state bans on abortions.

The state's constitution already includes a right to privacy that has long underpinned abortion statutes. However, after the Supreme Court leak in May, the state's legislative leaders acted to ensure that abortion and contraception are explicitly protected.

Toni G. Atkins, the president pro tempore of the State Senate, said that California's constitutional amendment "would make it undeniably clear that in California, abortion and contraception" are part of health care and are considered a private issue between patient and medical provider.

The Public Policy Institute of California conducted a poll last year, showing that around four out of five California voters oppose the repeal of Roe v. Wade.

California on Abortion Rights

Jodi Hicks, CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said in a statement that abortion remains legal in California, adding that they are working to ensure that people can access abortion regardless of where they come from.

Democrats in California and across the country have pinned onto the protection of abortion rights as a key issue for the 2022 midterm election, according to a Cal Matters news release.

Atkins said that she hopes the "people are enraged." She is a San Diego Democrat who ran a women's health clinic before entering politics.

Newsom announced a joint West Coast "commitment to reproductive freedom" shortly after the Supreme Court ruling with the governors of Oregon and Washington.

Newsom convened the Future of Abortion Council last fall to explore how to make the state a "sanctuary" for abortion.

Supreme Court's Roe V. Wade Repeal

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a 5-4 decision on Friday. It was the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. in 1973.

CNBC News highlighted that almost half of the states are expected to outlaw or severely restrict abortion as a result of the Supreme Court decision, which is related to a highly restrictive new Mississippi abortion law.

The laws will affect tens of millions of people around the country, who may have to cross state lines to seek reproductive health services.

Meanwhile, other states intend to maintain more liberal rules governing the termination of pregnancies.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the "Constitution makes no reference to abortion," adding that no such right is "implicitly protected by any constitutional provision."

Alito added that it is time to return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Roe v. Wade overturned | Newsom speaks on California abortion rights - from ABC 10