Leader Atkins Responds to Trump Administration’s Abortion Threat to California
SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on the federal Health and Human Services Notice of Violation to California for its Abortion Coverage Mandate:
“It is all too convenient that the Trump Administration is choosing this moment – as political pressure heats up and the impeachment trial is underway – to once again come after California for our lawful, steadfast protection of women and abortion rights. I stand with women in California in our defense of reproductive freedom for all, and we will continue our efforts to ensure access to reproductive health services.
“My career began in a women’s health clinic, and I saw just how critical these services can be. Eliminating access to options is not the answer, and it is not the law in our country. On behalf of women in California and the Senate, I’m here to tell you we won’t back down Mr. Trump.
“If Donald Trump is dissatisfied with the abortion services California provides, we will happily reimburse him for any and all abortions he has paid for in California, immediately upon receipt of legal documents freeing the potential women involved from any non-disclosure agreements they may have been compelled to enter into.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins