Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP)
Restrictions on Who May Provide Abortion Services
California prohibits certain qualified health-care professionals from providing abortion services.
Only a licensed physician and surgeon may provide 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 provision of surgical abortion services may assist. 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 provision of nonsurgical abortion, may provide a nonsurgical abortion. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2253 (Enacted 2000; Last Amended 2002).
