ASSEMBLYWOMAN CELESTE RODRIGUEZ, LABOR, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, AND EDUCATORS CALL ON GOVERNOR TO ENSURE PREGNANT CALIFORNIANS CAN ACCESS HEALTH COVERAGE

The following information was released by the California State Assembly, Democratic Caucus:

Today Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando Valley), United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC/UHCP), Planned Parenthood, and California Teachers Association gathered at the Pacoima Community Center, calling on Governor Newsom to sign Assembly Bill (AB) 2066, which aims to close a critical gap in maternal health by allowing pregnant individuals to enroll in or change their health plan once they learn they are pregnant. On August 26, 2026, the legislature passed AB 2066 with strong bipartisan support, and it now awaits the Governor's signature.

AB 2066, which is sponsored by UNAC/UHCP and a California Legislative Women's Caucus priority, would recognize pregnancy as a qualifying life event, allowing pregnant individuals to enroll in or change their health coverage outside standard enrollment periods. Research by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) found that 26% of Black women and Latinas struggle to access obstetric and gynecological care, while 32% have difficulty accessing routine providers. Expanding coverage opportunities during pregnancy could help address these disparities and support healthier outcomes for parents and children.

"As the youngest mother in the state legislature who just had a child, I can tell you what all of us knowpregnancy is a life changing event. The notion that we live in a state that does not qualify it as that is unacceptable," said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez. "With AB 2066, the Governor has an opportunity to recognize the dignity and worth of expectant mothers and the health of their unborn child. For the sake of the safety of pregnant people, babies and whole communities, we call on Governor Newsom to sign AB 2066," Rodriguez continued.

"Pregnancy is a big dealit's a life-changing event for women and their families. They shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get the healthcare they need. As chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I'm proud to support AB 2066. Recognizing pregnancy as a qualifying life event is common sense. This bill helps our expecting parents get covered and get the prenatal care they and their babies need, when they need it," said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus.

"Pregnancy is one of the most critical stages of a woman's health in her lifetime. Even in California, our maternal mortality rates signal inequalities in access to quality health services. We at the Legislative Women's Caucus are proud to include this bill among our priority package legislation, as it will provide access to essential and often life-saving care to the women who need it most. If signed into law, CA will join states like New York and Washington in recognizing pregnancy as a qualifying life event, strengthening healthcare access during one of the most critical moments of a woman's life," said Senator Caroline Menjivar (DSan Fernando Valley), vice-chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus.

UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine Morales, RN, who was at the press conference this morning and spoke in support of the bill, shared, "The lives of babies and their families literally depend on getting prenatal care started as soon as possible. Pregnancy doesn't wait for an insurance enrollment calendar, and the baby's due date guides nearly every major medical decision along the way. Nurses and health care professionals know early, consistent prenatal care is one of the most important tools we have for catching risks before they turn into emergencies. We call on Governor Newsom to sign this bill."

The Secretary and Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, Erika Jones, also spoke in support saying, "I come from a union of 310,000 public school educators - around three quarters of which are women. I am pregnant with my second child, a teacher, and a union leader - all roles have shown me how critical it is for women to have access to quality healthcare. Reproductive justice is critical for our wellbeing and deeply connected to the economic justice of our communities, as well. Healthcare access is a fundamental human right and I'm so grateful for this legislation to bring that right to women during such a critical time in our lives - when we are pregnant and deserve the highest quality care. Our union urges the Governor to sign today!"

"Pregnancy is a critical time for healthcare access, and timely prenatal care can make a meaningful difference in health outcomes. At Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, we believe people should have access to the care and coverage they need at every stage of their reproductive lives. AB 2066 recognizes that pregnancy doesn't operate on an enrollment schedule and helps ensure Californians can access health coverage when they need it most," said Claudia Powell, Vice President of Public Affairs of Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County.

Should Governor Newsom sign AB 2066 into law, California will join other states including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., in recognizing pregnancy as a qualifying life event for state-run health insurance exchanges.

###

Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez is the youngest mother in the California State Legislature and represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.