California
Current Status - Summary
As of October 2025, California appears to be one of the strongest states for women’s rights overall. Laws in
California encourages provider training on menopause and mental health
On September 27, 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 2270, a new law that tells several state licensing boards — including those
California’s Medi-Cal program faces state and federal budget pressures
California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, covers roughly one in three Californians — more than 15 million people. It’s
CA shield law protects doctors
California passed a law in September 2025 allowing doctors to prescribe and mail abortion pills anonymously, shielding providers from out-of-state
CA laws strengthen equity in public education
Two California laws are helping to protect student privacy and increase access to menstrual products in public schools. AB 1955,
California expands family leave
In January 2025, California expanded Paid Family Leave (PML) and disability benefits through SB 951, making it more affordable for
Mail-in voting guaranteed in California
In 2021, California guaranteed mail-in voting for registered voters under AB 37, which permanently required election officials to mail ballots
Prop 1 - California protects reproductive freedom
In November 2022, California voters approved Proposition 1, amending the state constitution to explicitly guarantee reproductive freedom, including abortion and