San Mateo County officials reaffirm commitment to reproductive health care

Overturning federal protection of reproductive rights for nearly 50 years, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has allowed states to set their own laws regarding abortion since June 24, 2022. In an event hosted by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, about 40 local leaders gathered donning pink pins that read “Bans Off Our Bodies.”

“State legislature, in partnership with the governor, is investing scarce resources, even in these tough budgetary times, to protect access to legal and safe abortion for Californians but also those from outside California that are seeking care,” Papan said.

However, Papan continued on to say that the fight must also be continued at the local level.

Lauren Babb, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the largest affiliate in the country, said San Mateo County is a “model county and partnership” that champions access in California.

“Usually, on this anniversary, my staff will tell you it’s a pretty somber day for us,” Babb said. “We all remember where we were and what we had to do, but being here today means a lot because when we call San Mateo County, they answer.”

In anticipation of overturning Roe v. Wade, Slocum and Supervisor Dave Pine worked quickly to propose a resolution in May 2022 affirming its unwavering support for reproductive freedom and health care privacy, which was unanimously approved.

The county recently awarded its second allotment of the $1 million in Measure K funds dedicated to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte for the purchase of technology, medical equipment and staff training. The second tranche of funds will be used to buy the Next Gen medication Inventory Control System that lets staff have real-time access to all inventory, making service more efficient and alleviating possible mistakes.

These upgrades were prioritized amid a rise in out-of-state patient load due to the evolving legal landscape for reproductive care.

Since the Dobbs decision to allow states to ban and restrict abortion, 14 have banned abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. In three states, abortions are barred after about six weeks, which is before many know they are pregnant, according to the Associated Press.

With what is now a “patchwork of access across the country,” many are left to navigate an “unjust and confusing system” and travel across state lines to receive treatment, Dr. Nimi Mastey, associate medical director at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, said.

Mastey shared stories of patients from out of town who traveled thousands of miles for reproductive care, one all the way from Florida.

“The relief in her eyes when she realized she was finally in a safe place was palpable,” Mastey said.

Over the last two years, Babb said abortion opponents continue to attack sexual and reproductive health care. In May, the Louisiana Legislature passed a bill to classify mifepristone and misoprostol, which can induce abortions but are also used to treat miscarriages and hemorrhaging, as controlled and dangerous substances. The Supreme Court recently struck down a mifepristone-related case earlier this month but is still deliberating over a lawsuit on the legality of emergency abortion bans.

While Mastey is grateful to be able to provide necessary care at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte clinics, the fight is far from over.

“Here in California, we are fortunate to be a beacon of hope and a sanctuary where people can exercise their right to choose,” Mastey said. “We must continue to advocate for nationwide access, ensuring that every person, regardless of their zip code, has the right to make decisions about their body.”

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte has three clinics in the county — South San Francisco, San Mateo and unincorporated Redwood City — that provide sexual and reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, behavioral health and family medicine services.

“Our fight continues, and we don’t fight alone,” Babb said. “We fight with every single one of you that has a Planned Parenthood story. We fight with every single young person that will need our services because I guarantee that we will not go back.”