Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Jan. 21 commemorated the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and highlighted California’s commitment to ensuring access to reproductive health care services in the face of national threats to reproductive rights.

“We commemorate the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case establishing a woman’s Constitutional right to a safe and legal abortion,” Newsom said. “Almost half a century later, we know without a doubt that limiting access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is a fundamental violation of individual liberty and freedom. The simple fact remains – America can’t achieve true equality if women do not have control over their own bodies.”

“At a time when some across our nation are purposefully and deliberately choosing to attack women’s reproductive rights, California will continue to be a beacon of light – expanding access to abortion and reproductive care, and ensuring our state is a place where people receive critical reproductive health care services quickly and safely.”

The Newsoms joined elected officials, activists and stakeholders in a virtual Planned Parenthood rally to commemorate the anniversary.