Gov. Reagan signed law easing access to abortion

In June 1967, Gov. Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill that expanded abortion access in California. The law allowed abortions before the 20th week of pregnancy in cases of rape or incest, to protect the physical or mental health of the mother, or in cases of statutory rape involving girls under 15 years of age. The state’s nearly century-old law had previously allowed abortion only to save the mother’s life.

From The San Diego Union, Friday, June 16, 1967:

Abortion Measure Signed By Reagan

By Peter Kaye, The San Diego Union’s Politics Writer

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Reagan yesterday signed a landmark bill liberalizing California’s 96-year-old abortion law.

The relaxed ceremony in Reagan’s office contrasted with emotional hearings in the Legislature and the governor’s own last-minute reservations about the bill.

3RD STATE

Titled the Therapeutic Abortion Law, it becomes effective in about three months and legalizes abortions:

1. In cases of rape or incest.

2. If the physical or mental health of the expectant mother is jeopardized.

California becomes the third state to have such a law. North Carolina and Colorado approved somewhat stronger legislation earlier this year. Abortions are legal in California now only if the mother’s life is endangered.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Reagan smilingly told State Sen. Anthony C. Beilenson, D-Los Angeles, just before he signed the bill.

“I’m glad you can smile,” replied the senator. “I’m glad it’s all over.”

“If you think I’m smiling now,” said Reagan, “wait until the right tax bill comes down.”

Although he voiced specific objections to the bill on the day it was approved by the Assembly, Reagan later said he would sign it.

WON’T ADD IT

The governor was instrumental in making Beilenson eliminate a provision that would have legalized abortions if there was a substantial risk that the child would be deformed.

Beilenson told reporters it is unfortunate that the provision was not left in the bill.

He said, however, that he would make no attempt to add it at a future date and emphasized this decision was made without pressure from the governor.

“Hopefully,” said Beilenson, “a major cause of deformities, rubella (German measles) may be eliminated by a vaccine.”

The Assembly co-author of the bill, Assemblyman W. Craig Biddle, R-Riverside, said he too would oppose such amendments.

Neither repeated the irritation they voiced when it appeared the governor might not sign the bill.

“I’m delighted,” Beilenson said yesterday. “I know it was a difficult choice for the governor.”

Biddle said the abortion measure, bitterly opposed by leaders of the Catholic Church, was the most emotional issue before the Legislature in many years.

An abortion may be performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy with the approval of two of the three committee members. From 12 to 20 weeks unanimous approval is required. The bill would not permit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.