California Governor Gavin Newsom has awarded $8 million in grants to 21 abortion clinics to boost their physical and data security.
A total of $7,879,108 will be awarded to abortion clinics including Planned Parenthood and independent facilities across the state.
In a press release from the governor's office, Newsom blamed the alleged increased security costs on "extreme politicians."
"WHY THIS MATTERS: As extreme politicians continue to attack access to essential reproductive health care, California is providing key resources to help ensure patients and providers can feel safe and secure while accessing or providing care," the press release stated.
The grants are being awarded by the Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program, administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
“All health care providers deserve to feel safe while offering resources and services to patients,” said Governor Newsom. “As attacks on reproductive health care continue, we’re providing resources to help ensure patients and providers feel safe and secure while accessing or providing critical reproductive health care.”
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward said that the funding is a "key part of our responsibility to protect Californians from violence."
“This funding represents a key part of our responsibility to protect Californians from violence,” Ward said. “By providing security at vulnerable healthcare locations, we can help protect everyone involved, from providers, to patients, and the surrounding community.”
The desire to curb violence appears narrowly focused, considering the rising violent crime rates in cities across the state.
Other officials used buzzwords like "immigrants" and "LGBTQ+ community members" to justify the spending.
“The program safeguards California healthcare facilities that offer abortion-related services and reproductive healthcare services and serve socially vulnerable populations, including persons who are low income, Limited-English proficient, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community members, and/or persons with disabilities,” said HCAI Director Elizabeth Landsberg.
While Newsom focuses on protecting abortion clinics, anti-abortion organizations have been the target of relentless attacks since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.
Catholic Vote has been tracking attacks on pro-life organizations, churches, and pregnancy centers since the leak of the draft decision. As of May 12, 2023, the organization has tracked 86 incidents.
The FBI announced on June 17 that it is investigating the attacks as "potential acts of domestic violent extremism."
