In November 2022, California voters approved Proposition 1, amending the state constitution to explicitly guarantee reproductive freedom, including abortion and contraception. The amendment added language to Article I, making clear that the state cannot deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom. This was a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
What we are watching (update): As of October 2025, the ongoing national debate over medication abortion - as well as the looming Medicaid cuts for Planned Parenthood (PP) - may limit access to abortion by California residents despite the constitutional right. In fact, 5 PP clinics have already closed. To learn more, see WRDI's The shrinking reality of "legal" abortion.
Why it Matters
By embedding reproductive rights in the constitution, California created a safeguard that is far more difficult for future legislatures or courts to undo. For residents, this means long-term protection of abortion and contraception access even as federal policy is uncertain.
Background
Proposition 1 was part of a broader wave of state-level ballot measures to protect abortion rights after Dobbs. Supporters believed it necessary to keep reproductive rights with individuals; opponents felt it was unnecessary and would be costly to taxpayers due to the likely increase in out-of-state patients. When Prop 1 passed, California joined states like Michigan and Vermont in enshrining protections in state constitutions.
Before the 2022 vote, California already had broad abortion access protected by state law and a history of legal recognition for reproductive rights. Abortion was legal, but specific restrictions existed, such as those for viable fetuses requiring a risk to the pregnant person's health or life. California also had existing laws to ensure providers were licensed and that abortions could not be performed on a viable fetus unless the pregnant person's health or life was at risk.
Resources
Governor Gavin Newsom - Historic California Constitutional Amendment Reinforcing Protections for Reproductive Freedom Goes Into Effect
League of Women Voters - In-depth Supplement
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