California Bill To Make Abortions Cheaper Advances In Legislature

California lawmakers backed a bill in a Thursday vote that would make abortions cheaper for people who have private health insurance plans.

The bill is a preemptive strike should the U.S. Supreme Court decide to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that blocks states from banning abortions, this summer.

The proposal would make it illegal for insurers to charge co-pay and deductibles, which would save $543 in the case of medication abortion and $887 to have a procedural abortion, according to the California Health Benefits Review Program. California would be the fourth state to adopt these measures, following Illinois, Oregon and New York.

“Protecting access to abortion is important now, more than ever, as our fundamental right to reproductive care is under attack in state houses across the country and in the chambers of our U.S. Supreme Court,” said Assembly member Akilah Weber.

The bill also allows a provision to help women who might come to California for the procedure from states where abortion is banned. The Abortion Practical Support Fund would be used to create grants to pay for travel, lodging and food expenses that a woman might need. The fund would accept donations, but state lawmakers could also decide to put taxpayer money into the fund.

Opponents of the legislation argue that other health services are not treated in the same way abortion is.

The bill will first need to gain support from the state Senate before landing on Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s desk.