(Tony Sifert, Headline USA) Calif. Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom has released a plan to use taxpayer money to increase the number of abortions performed in California, according to an Associated Press report.
In particular, the plan targets surplus population of “the poor and the disabled,” the AP reported.
The governor’s office announced Wednesday, May 11, that Newsom’s proposal would contain $125 million for “reproductive health care,” about $40 million of which will go to abortion providers to “offset the cost of providing care to low- and moderate-income individuals . . . for abortion care services.”
“California will not stand idly by as extremists roll back our basic constitutional rights,” Newsom said in a statement.
“We’re going to fight like hell, making sure that all women – not just those in California – know that this state continues to recognize and protect their fundamental rights.”
Newsom’s plan marks a $57 million increase in a proposal that sought just $68 million in January, ostensibly because California is preparing for an influx of red-state abortion seekers in the aftermath of the likely destruction of Roe v. Wade.
“We’re expanding access to these critical services, welcoming businesses and their employees fleeing anti-abortion states, and reaffirming our commitment . . . to further solidify California’s leadership on abortion rights,” Newsom said.
Abortion mill Planned Parenthood, which according to LifeNews made $1.6 billion in revenue last year, applauded the move.
“The Governor’s proposed investments . . . are a critical step towards not only maintaining, but increasing, access to abortion in California,” said Jodi Hicks, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.
According to the LA times, Newsom has “seized” on the abortion as a campaign issue as he faces a tough challenge from Republican state senator Brian Dahleformer and Democrat Michael Shellenberger, among others.
“[Abortion rights] could certainly be an issue that could very well drive turnout in this election,” said Mark Baldassare of the Public Policy Institute of California.
“It’’s the kind of issue that candidates can and will use to frame an election, which they can in California with great confidence.”
