Assemblymember Nguyen’s abortion training bill for out-of-state physicians signed into law

Among the accomplishments freshman California Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D – Elk Grove) can claim is a health care law she sponsored that was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Nguyen’s legislation, Assembly Bill 1646, provides comprehensive reproductive training for out-of-state physicians in states that have outlawed abortion access. Following the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs decision, states like Texas have banned or severely restricted abortion procedures, reducing crucial training, especially for OB-GYN medical students.

“AB 1646 will make certain that OB-GYN medical students from across the country are properly trained on abortions to ensure we have qualified medical professionals to perform these procedures,” Nguyen said. “I am grateful Governor Newsom has signed this crucial legislation.”

According to the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, almost half of OB-GYN residency programs are in states with, or likely to enact, abortion bans affecting about 2,600 of the country’s 6,000 OB-GYN residents.

“Planned Parenthood is pleased that AB 1646 has been signed by the Governor after receiving strong support in the legislature. This important bill to support training for physicians comes at a critical time as attacks on health care training in other states continue,” Molly Robson, VP of Government Affairs at Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said.

The law becomes effective January 1, 2024.

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