California teacher pregnancy leave bill could create paid leave for abortions

California lawmakers are advancing a budget proposal that could offer teachers up to 14 weeks of paid leave for pregnancy disability, a benefit previously unavailable to many public school educators. However, the language in the bill, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, also includes paid leave for "termination of pregnancy," sparking debate about whether California would become the first state to fund elective abortions through paid leave.

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I think it could get amended. I'm hoping it doesn't, and now that you've brought it up and it's all over television, chances are I'm going to get more pressure to take it out.

Supporters argue the measure would finally align teachers' benefits with those of many private-sector workers. Public school teachers, often excluded from the State Disability Insurance program due to collective bargaining agreements, have long sought parity in paid leave.

Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry acknowledged the potential controversy surrounding the abortion coverage. "I think it could get amended. I'm hoping it doesn't, and now that you've brought it up and it's all over television, chances are I'm going to get more pressure to take it out," she told CBS California Investigates.

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I'm very concerned with that portion of the bill, mainly because there is no cap.

The bill's current lack of a specific annual cap on pregnancy-related leave claims has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Republican Assemblymember David Tangipa expressed concern, noting the absence of a cap and questioning the verification process. "I'm very concerned with that portion of the bill, mainly because there is no cap," Tangipa said. He also worried about the intrusiveness of requiring teachers to potentially disclose personal medical information to administrators.

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I think it's overly intrusive.