We often talk about California as a progressive leader—a reproductive freedom state, a place where equity and access aren’t just ideals, but policies.
But what happens when those policies start eroding beneath our feet?
Last week, Women’s Foundation California joined Planned Parenthood California in an ABC7 News segment unpacking the Governor’s proposed budget cuts: a move to divert $1.6 billion from Prop 35 funding and $500 million from tobacco tax revenue, both earmarked for reproductive health and Medi-Cal reimbursement. If passed, the cuts would devastate the very systems that make reproductive care possible—especially for communities who rely on Medi-Cal.
Let’s not mistake this as a simple budgeting maneuver. It’s not just dollars—it’s a political signal. When we walk back from reproductive investment after the voters already said yes, we’re not just slashing funds—we’re undermining faith in governance. We’re turning promises into suggestions.
“We can’t claim to defend reproductive freedom and be a reproductive freedom state while dismantling the infrastructure that makes those freedoms real.” — ABC7 News feature, Jane Lin, Women’s Foundation California
This moment is even more consequential because of what’s happening across the country. As abortion bans sweep through state legislatures and access is stripped from millions, California has positioned itself as a sanctuary—a place where people can access care, dignity, and autonomy. That promise only holds if we maintain the infrastructure to support it. We cannot be the nation’s reproductive safety net on slogans alone. We have to fund the reality.
Governor Newsom has said he’s open to “adjustments.” The budget isn’t final until June 15. That means now is the moment—to let our voices be heard.
At Women’s Foundation California, we’re not just watching—we’re organizing, funding, and advancing bold policy solutions through our Solís Policy Institute and alongside our community partners. As advocates and collaborators, we are holding our leaders accountable to their promises. Reproductive freedom requires more than rights on paper—it demands action, investment, and sustained political will. Join us in making that future real.