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Abortion is a highly controversial subject that has been debated for several decades. Due to many opposing views on whether or not abortion should be allowed or up to when it should be allowed during a pregnancy, several states have passed very different abortion laws. For example, in certain states, particularly Kansas, getting an abortion is almost impossible. In other states, on the other hand, access to abortion is relatively easy. Now, in California, Governor Jerry Brown just signed a bill that increases the availability for women to get abortions.

This bill, which was one of 32 bills that the governor acted on, allows nurse practitioners and other non-physicians, such as certified nurse-midwives and physicians' assistants, to give abortions if it is during the first trimester of the pregnancy. The abortion bill was introduced by democratic assemblywoman, Toni Atkins from San Diego. She wanted to increase women's access to abortions particularly in rural areas where it is more difficult to get physicians to perform the procedure.

"Timely access to reproductive health services is critical to women's health," Atkins said. "AB154 will ensure that no woman has to ravel excessively long distances or wait for long periods in order to obtain an early abortion."

Even though the bill aims to increase availability for women seeking early abortions, critics are worried that the level of care these women receive will be severely reduced. According to a University of California San Francisco study conducted in January, researchers found that around 8,000 abortions that were done by non-physicians had higher complication rates when compared to abortions done by doctors. Other critics and opponents of this new bill are the California Catholic Conference and the Traditional Values Coalition.

"It's very disappointing, particularly from a woman's health standpoint," commented Wynette Sill, the executive director of the Coalition for Women and Children, which is against abortion according to the Los Angeles Times.

The executive director of the California Pro-Life Council, Brian Johnston, stated that the group would look to legally challenge the new bill. Supporters of the bill believe that increased access could help women. Nurse practitioners and non-doctors have already been trained or have started training in giving abortions. These supporters include the California Medical Association, the California Women's Health Alliance and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project of Los Angeles County.

"This bill trivializes what is taking place with abortion," said Johnston according to the New York Times. "It will massively expand the number of abortions and at the same time reduce safety. For those who say they care about women's health, they're doing the opposite, reducing the medical standards for abortion."

The other bills include AB219, SB402, AB191. AB219, introduced by democratic assemblyman, Henry T. Perea from Fresno will require health insurers to cover anti-cancer oral treatments starting in 2015. Patient's total cost will cap at $200 for every 30-day supply. Senator Kevin De Leon, a democrat from Los Angeles, proposed SB402, which will require hospitals to create a unit that uses programs to encourage successful breastfeeding. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra's (D-Los Angeles) AB191 will add around 227,000 more people to the CalFresh program, which is the state's food stamp program

The abortion bill will be in effect on January 1.