Statement on University of California Regents Decision to Amend Affiliation Policy to Address Discrimination
[June 23, 2021; virtual meeting] Today, the University of California (UC) Regents met to review a proposed policy to address contracts that govern affiliations with facilities that subject UC Health medical providers and trainees to harmful restrictions. Chair John Pérez proposed an amendment to protect patients from discrimination and UC providers from participating in discriminatory care at these facilities. The Board voted in support of the amended proposal and will advance the final proposal language in 60 days.
NARAL Pro-Choice California, Equality California, and ACLU California Action released the following joint statement:
“Chair John Pérez’s amendments are a positive step towards addressing the concerns of advocates, students, and thousands of Californians who have been clear that everyone deserves comprehensive, evidence-based care that is free from discrimination. We are glad that the Board of Regents took it upon themselves to hold the UC Health system to stronger standards for their affiliation agreements. We are thankful to Chair Pérez for his leadership and look forward to engaging with the UC Office of the President and Regents as this language is finalized and returns to the Board of Regents for final approval.”
State Senator Scott Wiener, author of SB 379, issued the following statement:
“The Regents’ action today is a very positive direction for UC’s affiliation policy. It has the potential to significantly expand access to reproductive and gender-affirming care and to ensure UC physicians can exercise their own professional judgment in providing care. I look forward to seeing the fully developed policy, but today’s action is a positive step forward.”