Proposition 1: Should abortion rights be protected by the California constitution?

This November, abortion will be on the ballot in California.

Voters will get the chance to decide whether the right to an abortion and contraception should be enshrined in the state constitution.

The Legislature voted to place Proposition 1 on the ballot following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which made abortion a right protected by the U.S. Constitution for 49 years.

Most abortions are now banned in at least 14 states.

What does a ‘yes’ vote mean?

A “yes” on Prop. 1 would amend the California Constitution to read:

“The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives.”

What does a ‘no’ vote mean?

A “no” on Proposition 1 prevents that language from being added to the state constitution. Abortion would still be protected under California law, however.

Who benefits?

Women who want the right to choose. Prop. 1 is supported by the California Democratic Party, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

Abortion and contraception are already legal in California, but this ballot measure would prevent future state leaders from passing laws restricting access.

Passage would effectively establish California as an “abortion sanctuary,” open to women from other states where access is restricted.

Who doesn’t?

A number faith-based and anti-abortion groups. Proposition 1 is also opposed by the California Republican Party.

The No on Prop. 1 campaign argues that the language of the amendment is overbroad and would override state limits on late-term abortions. Opponents of the measure say that making California an abortion sanctuary for women from other states would cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Follow the money

According to the website Ballotpedia, which draws data from the California Secretary of State, the Yes on Proposition 1 committee reported $9.3 million in contributions, with more than half a million dollars in expenditures.

Major donors include the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the California Medical Association - Physicians’ Issue Committee, M. Quinn Delaney, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project of Los Angeles County and the California Federation of Teachers COPE Prop/Ballot Committee.

The No on Proposition 1 committee has reported $71,776.94 in contributions, according to Ballotpedia.

Major donors include East Valley Republican Women and Patriot Store and Dehart Construction Services.

This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Proposition 1: Should abortion rights be protected by the California constitution?."