California now permits trained physician assistants (PAs) to independently perform first-trimester abortions, marking a significant expansion in abortion care access.
This legislative move, which came into effect on January 1, addresses the growing need for more abortion care practitioners, particularly in the face of increasing abortion restrictions in many states following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision.
Enhanced Accessibility Legislation
Physician assistants, now on par with nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, can contribute to meeting the rising demand for abortion services.
The law not only permits PAs to perform first-trimester abortions but also allows those with disciplinary or legal issues related solely to performing abortions in states where the practice is restricted to apply for a license in California.
The new legislation aims to reduce barriers and shorten wait times for essential abortion services, according to Jeremy Meis, President-elect of the California Academy of Physician Associates.
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California’s Growing Abortion Rates
This expansion is expected to solve accessibility difficulties, especially in rural areas where PAs are more likely to practice than physicians, as over 40% of California counties currently lack abortion facilities.
Comparing data from the first half of 2020 to the same period in 2023, California saw a 20% increase in the number of abortions, reaching 92,600. The state has become a refuge for women seeking abortions amid a broader trend of restrictive abortion measures in other parts of the country.
While the California law faced minimal opposition, the American Medical Association (AMA) has consistently expressed concerns about scope creep and the independent practice of clinicians like PAs. The AMA’s stance reflects a broader national debate over expanding the responsibilities of non-physician practitioners.
Despite this, California’s move aligns with efforts in a dozen other states to enhance reproductive health protections and increase access to abortion services.
The state has committed $18 million to accelerate training in abortion and reproductive care for practitioners, including PAs, underscoring its commitment to addressing the growing demand for these essential services.
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