California won’t fund interstate travel for abortions

Gov. Gavin Newsom said his state would be a “sanctuary” for people traveling from other states for abortions, but he cannot use public money to fund their travel. Once women are in California, they will have government assistance for the procedure itself. Residents can get public money for their in-state travel for abortions. California’s budget includes $40 million in abortion assistance, but Newsom said paying for everyone’s travel is unrealistic. New York committed to providing funds for women coming from other states to get abortions, but Republicans have proposed a bill to block it from going toward travel. 

Are many women traveling out of state for abortions? Eleven states have laws in effect to protect babies and about eight more are working to put more on the books within weeks or months. Abortion facilities in those states are referring women to out-of-state centers. Pharmacy chains are also limiting the dispensing of abortifacient drugs such as Plan B to avoid a shortage, though they said they currently have enough supply. Mexico has also started smuggling abortion pills into the U.S. and converting places just south of the border into abortion centers. 

Dig deeper: Read Abigail Dodds’ report in WORLD Opinions on why June should be named Life Month.