California abortion services website goes live

On the same day GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a bill that would put a federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, California launched a new taxpayer-funded website to help pregnant residents and out-of-state travelers access abortion services in the state.

The launch Tuesday is the latests effort by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom to fulfill his promise of making California a leading state in maintaining abortion access – after the Supreme Court in June struck down Roe v. Wade, the decades provide a constitutional right to abortion.

Since the 1973 landmark ruling was overturned, several other states have moved to tighten abortion restrictions.

The website, abortion.ca.gov, includes information about providers and ways to pay for an abortion and highlights the legal right to abortion under California law.

The site also outlines guidance for minors under 18, stating a person of any age can consent to their own abortion care within the state. Newsom’s office said Tuesday that the site does not collect personal information about visitors.

"Abortion is legal, safe and accessible here in California – whether or not you live here, know that we have your back," Newsom said Tuesday. "As Republican states continue rolling back fundamental civil rights and even try to prevent people from accessing information online or crossing state lines for care, you’re welcome here in California and we’ll continue to fight like hell for you."

The enacted state budget includes $200 million for reproductive health care, $1 million of which was budgeted for a "comprehensive reproductive rights website."

The governor’s office did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment regarding the total cost of the website.

The website was launched the same day Graham, of South Carolina, framed his legislation as a defense against late-term abortions.

"I think the Democrats made a huge mistake in introducing legislation in Washington that would basically allow abortion up to the moment of birth,” Graham  told CNN. "Now we have an alternative to that."

Newsom blasted the legislation in a tweet, writing that Graham’s “new national ban on abortion is about controlling women.”

Abortion advocates praised the new website Tuesday, saying it will act as a "critical resource" to pregnant patients seeking an abortion and a "model for the rest of the nation."