ITUP Mini Blog: Advancing Women’s Health in California
By: Shirley Lam, MPH
Did you know California has long been at the forefront of progressive policies, especially when it comes to women’s health? Let’s dig in. This year, state lawmakers are introducing a series of new groundbreaking legislative bills that can change the landscape of reproductive health. These measures are designed to close the gaps in health care access, improve outcomes and treatment, and ensure that women from all backgrounds receive the care and support they need through the critical stages of their health journey.
From expanding reproductive rights to advancing maternal health care, these policies are all about making sure women receive care, but the right care. California is actively working toward a future where every woman, regardless of race, income, or location, has the opportunity to thrive. Here’s a look at some of the post impactful bills shaping women’s health this year.
Note: The bills listed below are not a comprehensive list of all the health and health care related legislative bills introduced this year, but rather a selection of key measures that highlight the state’s commitment to address these priority areas. If you have questions about a bill not listed here, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Notable Highlights:
- California is introducing groundbreaking legislation to improve reproductive and maternal health equity, ensuring better access to care and resources for all women.
- New CA legislative bills focus on underserved communities by addressing disparities in health care access, funding, and treatment, aiming to create a future where every woman receives the support they need.
Medi-Cal Diapers: AB 636 (Ortega)
Imagine needing supplies for your child, only to find out it’s not covered by insurance. AB 636 addresses these discrepancies by ensuring Medi-Cal covers diapers as a benefit for children over three years old with medical conditions that cause incontinence. This bill also extends coverage for anyone under the age of 21 to treat or improve a medical condition. The diapers provided would be limited to an appropriate amount based on the person’s condition and age. While it’s a big step forward, AB 636 will only take effect if federal approval and funding are secured.
Pharmacists Furnishing Contraceptives: AB 50 (Bonta)
Need birth control? California has your back! AB 50 expands access to contraceptive care, ensuring more women can receive the reproductive services they need by reducing the requirements and procedures for pharmacists to follow when providing hormonal birth control. The goal? Faster, easier access to contraception without the arbitrary hurdles. AB 50 narrows these requirements to only apply to prescription-only hormonal contraceptives, giving pharmacists the ability to provide over-the-counter contraceptives. By the way, AB 50 also implements essential updates to onset these changes and takes effect immediately as an urgent law.
Alternative Birth Centers: Licensing and Medi-Cal Reimbursement: AB 55 (Bonta)
For expectant mothers looking for alternative birth options, AB 55 will give you the flexibility you need. This bill removes the requirement that alternative birth centers must provide comprehensive perinatal services defined by Medi-Cal. In addition, AB 55 removes the proximity rule to be located near hospitals and instead requires birth centers to have transfer policies in place. To keep it short and sweet, AB 55 makes a technical change to an outdated reference in the current law, supporting greater choice in maternity care while maintaining safety standards.
Emergency Services and Care: AB 40 (Bonta)
What is considered an emergency? Under AB 40, reproductive health services, including abortions, are officially part of emergency care. This means the definition of “emergency services and care” will also include reproductive health services, such as abortion. By expanding this definition, health facilities, service providers, and insurers must provide or cover these services, holding them accountable for meeting patient’s urgent needs. Because this bill is considered urgent, it will take effect immediately.
School and Community College Employees: Paid Disability and Parental Leave: AB 65 (Aguiar-Curry)
Educators shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck. AB 65 removes school boards’ ability to set their own leave policies and mandates up to 14 weeks of paid leave for public school and community college employees needing time off due to pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, or recovery. This leave applies to both certificated and classified employees, can begin before childbirth, and does not reduce other leave benefits. Employees will also retain their group health coverage while on leave and won’t need to meet eligibility requirements like minimum hours worked or length of service. AB 65 ensures financial stability while prioritizing health and recovery.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care: AB 260 (Aguiar-Curry)
California has potential to be a safe haven for reproductive rights! AB 260 strengthens this commitment to ongoing access to essential reproductive health services in the state, including abortion and gender-affirming care—including remote or online methods, if needed.
Attorney General Reproductive Privacy Act Enforcement: AB 67 (Bauer-Kahan)
Protecting reproductive rights isn’t just about passing laws, it’s about enforcing them. AB 67 gives the Attorney General the authority to investigate and take legal action against violations of the Reproductive Privacy Act. This means the Attorney General can file a case in court to stop illegal activity and make sure the law is followed. AB 67 also allows the Attorney General to investigate by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and subpoenaing documents. Violators could face fines of up to 25,000 with penalties helping to fund further enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act.
Menopause: AB 432 (Bauer-Kahan)
Menopause care is long overdue for an update. AB 423 requires the Medical Board of California to include specialized training for continuing education. With this, doctors treating patient populations where at least 25% of their patients are women must complete a course on perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopausal care. AB 432 also requires health care plans and insurance policies issued or updated after January 1, 2026, to cover evaluation and treatment for perimenopause and menopause. So, by 2026, clinical care guidelines for hormone therapy must be in place for primary care providers. Certain costs related to these new requirements will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program: SB 228 (Cervantes)
California is restructuring maternal health programs for more efficient care. SB 228 transfers the oversight of perinatal services of the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) —aiming for better coordination and funding. SB 228 sets the stage for future improvements, with the Legislature planning additional reforms based on recommendations from a California State Auditor report. This includes requiring the DHCS to develop a new tracking form for perinatal services and improve data collection to enhance maternal health care.
Access to Safe Abortion Care Act: AB 54 (Krell & Aguiar-Curry)
With abortions rights under attack nationwide, California is doubling down! AB 54 reinforces legislative support for medication abortion, particularly the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, ensuring continued access in the state. To sum it up, AB 54 expresses the legislature’s intent to pass laws that will ensure Californians can continue to access medicated abortions. This move solidifies California as a stronghold for reproductive rights.
Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program: AB 551 (Krell & Petrie-Norris)
Emergencies shouldn’t stand in the way of reproductive health care. AB 551 establishes the Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program (RHEPP) dependent on funding availability from the state or through private sources. This provides grants to improve access to emergency reproductive and sexual health. Additionally, AB 551 requires the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to award grants and administer the program in partnership with California-based organizations that provide technical assistance. HCAI must also establish guidelines for grant distribution, partner organization qualifications, and fund usage, with these provisions set to expire on January 1, 2030.
Pregnancy As a Recognized Event for Nondiscriminatory Treatment (PARENT) Act: SB 257 (Wahab)
Pregnancy is life-changing and now, health plans must recognize this benchmark as a qualifying event. SB 257 allows individuals to enroll in or change health plans due to pregnancy. SB 257 prohibits health care plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, from denying or limiting maternity, newborn, or pediatric care based on how pregnancy occurred. This includes cases involving gestational carriers or surrogates. Any health care plan that violates this rule would be considered a crime.
Maternal Health Screenings and Treatment: SB 626 (Smallwood-Cuevas)
Mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy. SB 626 mandates health care providers to screen, diagnose and treat maternal mental health conditions while requiring insurers to cover at least one medication and one digital therapy option for maternal mental health issues. In addition, SB 626 requires health care plans to provide case management and care coordination for pregnant and postpartum patients.
California is setting the standard for women’s health care policies, ensuring that reproductive rights, maternal health, and equitable access remain top priorities. With these bills in motion, the state is actively working toward a future where every woman has the health care support she needs no exceptions.
For more on California’s legislative efforts supporting women’s health, visit the California Legislative Women’s Caucus homepage: https://womenscaucus.legislature.ca.gov.