AB 40 (Bonta) (OPPOSE) will expand the definition of “emergency services and care” to include reproductive health services, including abortion in hospitals. Additionally, the bill does not clearly define what qualifies as an “emergency” in these cases, leaving room for broad interpretation and legal uncertainty.
Under current law, hospitals must provide emergency care when a person is at risk of serious harm or death, and insurance providers must reimburse for that care. This bill would now require that abortions be treated the same way—mandating hospitals and providers to offer these services as emergency care, and insurers to cover them. Violating these rules could result in criminal penalties, as existing laws treat non-compliance with emergency care standards as a crime. This raises concerns about weakening conscience protections for healthcare providers, especially those with religious or moral objections, and could force them to perform or support abortions against their beliefs. Additionally, the bill does not clearly define what qualifies as an “emergency” in these cases, leaving room for broad interpretation and legal uncertainty.
Status: Referred to Senate Health Committee 6/11/25
Call your Senator and Urge them to OPPOSE AB 40!
Senate Health Committee.
Caroline Menjivar (Chair) - (916) 651-4020
Suzette Martinez Valladares (Vice-Chair) – (916) 651-4023
Maria Elena Durazo - (916) 651-4026
Lena Gonzalez – (916) 651-4033
Shannon Grove - (916) 651-4012
Monique Limón – (916) 651-4021
Steve Padilla - 916) 651-4018
Laura Richardson – (916) 651-4035
Susan Rubio - (916) 651-4022
Akilah Weber Pierson – (916) 651-4039
Scott Wiener - (916) 651-4011
ACTION STEP 1: Email your California State Senator and urge a "No" vote on AB 40. Click “Send Message” to email your California Senator.
ACTION STEP 2: Call your California State Senator and follow the script to urge him or her to vote “No” on AB 40. Click the phone symbol, then click the phone symbol next to your Senator's name. A phone script will appear for you to follow.