LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support a proposal by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Chair Holly J. Mitchell to establish a reduced-cost plan/no-cost plan pilot project for people from outside California seeking abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
“Although the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson was only two and a half months ago, the damage has been immeasurable. We continue to see reports of residents from other states traveling far to get life-saving reproductive healthcare services. Other states are shrinking the rights of pregnant women, girls, and other birthing people ─ but not here in Los Angeles County. We welcome those who live outside of California to travel here to receive reproductive health services. It is our collective responsibility to uphold abortion and reproductive healthcare services as a fundamental right,” said Supervisor Solis.
The motion grants the Director of the County Department of Health Services (Health Services) delegated authority to, for the maximum allowable time, establish the pilot project in Health Services clinics and/or hospitals, and make reproductive health services more affordable, including, in appropriate circumstances, free, in all Health Services facilities that offer these services.
“This motion is yet another step that demonstrates our Boards commitment to preserve and protect women’s reproductive rights, including women who cannot get abortion-related services in their own home states,” said Chair Mitchell.
During the meeting, Supervisor Solis noted that she would be introducing a motion at the September 27, 2022 Board Meeting to oppose U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s recent legislation proposing a nationwide 15-week abortion ban.
Read today’s full motion here.
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