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California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted legislation enabling Arizona abortion providers to temporarily serve patients who travel to California.

The new law, Senate Bill 233, facilitates rapid approval for Arizona doctors to work in California, a measure prompted by Arizona’s abortion restrictions. Introduced by Newsom following the Arizona Supreme Court’s near-total abortion ban, the bill allows licensed Arizona physicians to apply for approval in California, which must be granted within five business days if they meet specific criteria.

The bill passed the California state Senate with a 30-8 vote, supported by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. “Arizona Republicans tried to turn back the clock to 1864 to impose a near-total abortion ban across their state. We refuse to stand by and acquiesce to their oppressive and dangerous attacks on women,” Newsom announced in a statement.

Newsom originally introduced the bill as a temporary solution, anticipating potential legislative changes in Arizona, which has now happened. The Arizona Supreme Court had upheld an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, except to save the mother’s life, which was enforced following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. This law also included penalties for physicians who performed abortions.

Arizona’s legislature recently repealed the 1864 ban, a move quickly signed by Governor Katie Hobbs. With the repeal, Arizona will revert to the 15-week abortion ban established in 2022 by former Governor Doug Ducey.