Davis Signs Bills Criminalizing Attacks on Abortion Providers
Gov. Gray Davis (D) has signed a measure that will provide greater security for abortion clinics, the Los Angeles Times reports. The bill (SB 780), which "mirrors" the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, will make it a misdemeanor to threaten or attack an abortion clinic or a clinic worker. Bill author state Sen. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) said that the law was needed because California records more threats and attacks to abortion clinics than any other state, but most of these are not "serious enough to attract a federal response." Under the law, police officers will undergo more extensive training on how to protect clinics and the Department of Justice will be asked to prepare a report on clinic violence.
Davis also signed a bill (SB 1169) sponsored by Sen. Dede Alpert (D-Coronado) that grants pharmacists permission to dispense emergency contraception without a prescription from a physician. Pharmacists who participate in the program must complete a special training course (Morain, Los Angeles Times, 10/15).
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