Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP)

Restrictions on Who May Perform Abortions

California prohibits certain qualified health care professionals from performing abortions.

Only a licensed physician and surgeon may perform a surgical abortion, and only a person who has a valid license or certificate obtained pursuant to California law authorizing that person to assist in the performance of surgical abortion services may assist in the performance of these services.  Only a licensed physician and surgeon, or person who has obtained a license or certificate of authorization in accordance with some other provision of law authorizing the performance of nonsurgical abortion, may perform a nonsurgical abortion.  Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2253 (Enacted 2000; Last Amended 2002).