Bill Would Expand Access to First-Term Abortions
A bill (SB 1501), by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), would allow nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified midwives to perform "aspiration" abortions, a procedure that uses a suction method to remove a fetus from a uterus. If approved, California would become the fifth state to allow non-doctors to perform the procedure. The Legislature likely will approve the bill. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has not yet taken a stance on the legislation.
- "While Other States Tighten Abortion Laws, California Debates Granting More Access" (Van Oot, Sacramento Bee, 3/9).