Public health: abortion services

The law extends the state’s provider-support program to veterans whose coverage excludes abortion or who cannot access abortion or contraception through the federal veterans health system. It also directs veterans to California abortion-resource information.

What the law does ​

• Allows Medi-Cal-enrolled providers to seek state grants and continuation awards for providing eligible veterans abortion and contraception services at no cost or reduced cost.
• Covers veterans who lack abortion coverage or cannot access abortion or contraception through the Department of Veterans Affairs health system and cannot otherwise receive those services at no cost through Medi-Cal or Family PACT.
• Allows providers to rely on a patient’s self-declaration of veteran status, income, and health coverage when determining potential eligibility.
• Requires the Department of Health Care Access and Information to begin accepting grant applications by January 1, 2027.
• Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to link to abortion.ca.gov on its women veterans resources webpage.

Who it affects ​

• Veterans seeking abortion or contraception care who lack coverage or access through the federal veterans health system.
• Medi-Cal-enrolled health care providers that provide abortion, contraception, or gender-affirming care.
• The Department of Health Care Access and Information, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Context ​

The existing grant program already supports uncompensated abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care for eligible low-income patients.