Brown approves abortion provider bill

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed a controversial measure that will greatly expand the number of abortion providers in California.

The legislation carried by San Diego Assemblywoman Toni Atkins would allow a nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife or physician assistant who completes specialized training to provide so-called aspiration abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Abortion has long polarized the nation and California and this legislation has proved just as contentious.

Atkins, a Democrat, has said many women must travel great distances or go without early pregnancy care because of the limited number of physicians who can perform abortions.

“We need accessibility throughout the state — not just in urban centers,” Atkins said in an interview after her Assembly Bill 154 cleared the Legislature.

Opponents, including many Republicans, had argued that only a licensed physician or surgeon can perform an abortion safely.

“I would urge caution — deep and profound tough and soul-searching. It is no light matter. Abortion is a serious medical procedure with vast complications,” said Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber.

“I would argue that only the best-trained should conduct such an operation, It has direct and profound impact on lives — the mother and the baby. There is a baby in there,” he continued.

Supporters point to the results of a University of California, San Francisco pilot program that concluded the aspiration procedure can be safely done by nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwifes or physician assistants.

Aspiration is a type of abortion that involves vacuum or suction as part of the procedure.