California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the launch of a Reproductive Rights Task Force within the state on October 25, calling the right to abortion “sacrosanct.”
“Today, I am proud to bring together our partners on this task force from across the state for one common goal: To preserve and strengthen our reproductive freedoms,” Bonta said. “Abortion is safe and legal in California, and we will keep fighting and working together to preserve access.”
According to a press release announcing the launch, the task force consists of 15 members, including “DOJ, Alameda County District Attorney, Contra Costa District Attorney, Humboldt County District Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney, Los Angeles County Counsel, Oakland City Attorney, Sacramento City Attorney, San Diego City Attorney, San Diego County District Attorney, San Francisco City Attorney, San Francisco County District Attorney, Santa Barbara County District Attorney, Santa Clara County Counsel, and Yolo County District Attorney.”
The press release also explains that the task force members will use their “expertise and enforcement powers” to aid in the following:
- Prosecuting crimes of intimidation and harassment at abortion clinics.
- Enforcing consumer protection laws against deceptive or unlawful conduct concerning reproductive healthcare.
- Crafting state and local laws and policies to keep reproductive care providers and patients safe.
- Protecting abortion-related healthcare information in California from being accessed by out-of-state agencies and persons to punish patients or providers.
- Reviewing land-use issues to prevent discrimination against reproductive healthcare facilities.
Bonta’s intention to prosecute activity of “intimidation and harassment” at abortion facilities raises concern that the state could see more litigation against pro-lifers who participate in prayer vigils and sidewalk counseling.
California has already established itself as one of the most abortion-friendly states in the nation, and Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a sweeping package of more than a dozen laws meant to expand abortion in the state. Bonta has also been a vocal supporter of abortion. In June, he issued a consumer alert warning against pregnancy resource centers in the state because they don’t commit abortions. In reality, these centers exist to provide support, resources, and care to pregnant women who need it. He has also instructed all law enforcement authorities in the state not to take any police or prosecutorial action regarding abortion.
The task force announcement also comes just weeks ahead of voting on Proposition 1, which would enshrine the “right” to abortion up to birth in the state’s constitution. Despite the pro-abortion push, recent polling has shown a decline in public support for the measure.
