California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a law enforcement bulletin emphasizing the state's legal protections for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare. The bulletin, announced in Oakland, outlines the measures necessary to safeguard these rights under Assembly Bill 1356 (AB 1356 2021-2022), authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. This legislation complements the California Freedom of Access to Clinic and Church Entrances Act (FACE Act) and mandates that state and local law enforcement agencies develop policies for responding to anti-reproductive rights incidents.
“Abortion care is healthcare; and in California, access to abortion care is a constitutionally protected right,” stated Attorney General Bonta. “With today’s legal bulletin, we are providing state and local law enforcement agencies with the tools and support necessary to respond effectively and lawfully to threatening or violent situations and ensure those who provide or seek reproductive healthcare services are protected. At the California Department of Justice, we will always defend our reproductive rights and ensure California remains a beacon of reproductive freedom.”
There has been an increase in violence and harassment against abortion providers across the country, particularly in states like California that maintain strong legal protections for abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The National Abortion Federation reports a rise in serious incidents at clinics, such as arson, burglaries, death threats, and invasions.
In response to this trend, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training updated guidelines in 2023 addressing FACE Act-related crimes. These guidelines cover various aspects including specific crimes against reproductive rights, law enforcement duties, training requirements, collaboration strategies, event planning protocols, and arrest procedures.
The newly issued bulletin summarizes AB 1356 and FACE ACT provisions while offering a framework for training and policy development to help law enforcement handle threats or violence targeting reproductive health facilities. The California Attorney General’s Office has also produced a training video available online.