California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB54

Introduced
12/2/24  
Refer
3/17/25  
Report Pass
3/17/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Report Pass
3/17/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Report Pass
4/30/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Report Pass
5/7/25  
Engrossed
5/12/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Refer
5/21/25  
Report Pass
6/30/25  
Refer
7/1/25  
Report Pass
7/16/25  

Caption

Access to Safe Abortion Care Act.

Impact

The passage of AB54 would reinforce existing laws in California that safeguard access to abortion services, especially after the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. This state legislation aims to protect against subsequent challenges and threats to abortion rights by ensuring a reliable supply of abortion medication and the legal right to access it, thus empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health without fear of repercussion.

Summary

Assembly Bill 54, known as the Access to Safe Abortion Care Act, seeks to bolster the legal framework surrounding the provision and access to medication abortion within California. This bill reaffirms the legality of transporting and accessing drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol that are used in medication abortions, emphasizing the state's commitment to reproductive health as a fundamental right. Notably, it removes potential civil or criminal liabilities for individuals and organizations engaged in these activities when compliant with state law, ensuring a protective environment for healthcare providers and patients alike.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed surrounding AB54 is predominantly positive among its supporters, such as legislators and reproductive health advocates, who view it as a proactive measure in safeguarding women's rights and health care access. However, there is considerable contention from opponents who argue that the bill may facilitate greater access to abortion, which they believe undermines moral and ethical standards in society. This polarization reflects the broader national debate surrounding abortion rights, where personal beliefs and public policy sharply intersect.

Contention

Debate around AB54 reveals significant points of contention, particularly regarding the retroactive legal protections it proposes for access to medication abortion from January 1, 2020. Opponents are concerned that it might lead to increased abortion procedures without sufficient oversight, while proponents emphasize that this is crucial for ensuring women's health. The bill symbolizes a broader ideological struggle between state authority and individual rights in the context of reproductive health care, which may invite legal challenges and further political debate as its implementation unfolds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB1428

Reproductive health: mifepristone and other medication.

CA AR6

Relative to reproductive health.

CA SR9

Relative to reproductive health.

CA AB315

False advertising: abortion.

CA AB602

False advertising: pregnancy-related services.

CA SB233

Practice of medicine: Arizona physicians: abortions and abortion-related care for Arizona patients.

CA AB1194

California Privacy Rights Act of 2020: exemptions: abortion services.

CA SB345

Health care services: legally protected health care activities.

CA AB2490

Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program.

CA AB598

San Francisco Bay Area Regional Housing Finance Act: regional and county expenditure plans.

Similar Bills

LA HB578

Provides relative to disclosure of certain information relative to abortion pill reversal

HI HB866

Relating To Health Care.

HI SB1246

Relating To Health Care.

SC H3092

Chemically Induced Abortions

SD HB1318

Prohibit medical abortion by telemedicine and to increase the penalty for the unlicensed practice of medicine when performing a medical abortion.

HI HCR6

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Monitor The Alliance For Hippocratic Medicine V. U.s. Food And Drug Administration And Take Action To Limit The Case From Further Restricting Access To Safe Abortion Options.

HI SCR14

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Monitor The Alliance For Hippocratic Medicine V. U.s. Food And Drug Administration And Take Action To Limit The Case From Further Restricting Access To Safe Abortion Options.

HI SCR47

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Monitor The Alliance For Hippocratic Medicine V. U.s. Food And Drug Administration And Take Action To Limit The Case From Further Restricting Access To Safe Abortion Options.