Congresswoman Chu Hosts Pivotal Discussion on Reproductive Rights in Pasadena, One Year After the Overturning of Roe

On the first anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Dobbs v. Jackson, which nullified the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, local Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) will host a discussion with abortion care providers Saturday, June 24 in Pasadena.

The discussion will delve into the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, the future of reproductive rights in California, and chart a path forward.

A leading advocate for women’s rights, Rep. Chu is known for her authorship of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) in Congress. The act aims to protect healthcare providers’ right to offer abortion care and patients’ right to receive that care, free from any bans or restrictions that obstruct access.

In the year since the Dobbs ruling, more than a dozen states have enacted bans or near-total bans on abortion. This has resulted in one-third of American women losing access to abortion in their home states. There has been a tripling of the average travel time to abortion clinics, and instances of women unable to obtain an abortion during a miscarriage are on the rise. Birth complications and maternal mortality rates have also increased, according to Chu.

While abortion remains legal in California, a pending federal court case could affect the nationwide legality of the drug mifepristone. Used in medication abortion, mifepristone forms the first part of a two-pill regimen. It accounts for about half of all abortions nationwide. 

Women in areas with restricted abortion access, known as abortion deserts, are increasingly seeking care in California, with providers in the state regularly traveling to meet the demand across the country.

Despite attempts to introduce nationwide bans on abortion, the passage of WHPA could reaffirm the right to abortion, ensuring everyone, regardless of their location, has access.

Joining Rep. Chu in the discussion will be Sarah Egan CNM, MS, Director of Medical Services, and Dr. Noah Nattell, MD MS FACOG, Chief Medical Officer, both from Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley. The location of the event was not disclosed.