California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a law enforcement bulletin outlining the state’s legal protections for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.
The new guidance emphasizes the right to timely, confidential care, free from harassment or threats, as established by Assembly Bill 1356 (AB 1356), authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda).
This law complements the California Freedom of Access to Clinic and Church Entrances (FACE) Act, which mandates that state and local law enforcement agencies develop policies for handling anti-reproductive rights incidents.
“Abortion care is healthcare; and in California, access to abortion care is a constitutionally protected right,” said Bonta.
The bulletin aims to equip law enforcement with the tools to effectively respond to violent or threatening situations at reproductive healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety of both providers and patients.
In response to a national surge in violence and harassment targeting abortion providers, particularly in states that protect abortion access, the bulletin provides guidelines for law enforcement on addressing anti-reproductive rights crimes. The
National Abortion Federation reports significant incidents, including arson and death threats, aimed at clinics across the country.
The bulletin also references revised 2023 guidelines from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, which cover law enforcement’s role in preventing violence, providing training, and managing protests and events. With these measures in place, Bonta reaffirmed California’s commitment to defending reproductive rights and ensuring the state’s continued role as a stronghold for reproductive freedom.
