Kristen Hwang

The legislation builds on recent laws passed in California to eliminate synthetic food dyes from school meals and certain additives from all food sold in the state when they are associated with cancer, reproductive harm and behavioral problems in children. Dozens of other states have since replicated those laws.

Half of the birth centers in the state have closed since 2020, leaving only four licensed facilities open.

Proposition 35 would dedicate tax revenue to pay doctors more if they see low-income patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Its critics worry the plan could run afoul of the federal government.

Two California lawmakers introduced bills intended to slow maternity ward closures after a CalMatters investigation found nearly 50 hospitals had ended labor and delivery services between 2012 and 2023.

Recent polls show many Californians were undecided heading into Election Day on Gov. Newsom’s Proposition 1, which would fund new mental health treatment facilities.

California legislators have passed a slew of laws to protect abortion rights. But after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many fear attempting to regulate “crisis pregnancy centers” is legally risky.