KPBS Midday Edition

Sen. Toni Atkins: Roe v. Wade leaked draft opinion is 'a call to action'

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Andrew Bracken / Producer, KPBS Midday Edition, Harrison Patiño / Producer, KPBS Midday Edition

Published May 6, 2022 at 3:23 PM PDT

This story was published more than 2 years ago.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, in an undated photo. — Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, is seen in an undated photo.

State lawmakers have come out in force this week to voice their support for abortion rights in California.

The leaked Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade has galvanized pro-choice sentiments across the state.

In addition to a package of 13 new bills aimed at strengthening reproductive rights, there’s now a push for a state constitutional amendment enshrining a woman’s right to choose in California.

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State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has been at the forefront of many of those efforts. She has stressed the role that California will play in strengthening women's reproductive efforts.

"This is a call to action, not just California but across the country," Atkins said.

Atkins joined Midday Edition on Friday with more on the ongoing legislative effort to bolster women's reproductive rights in the state.

'Devastating': Local, state leaders react to possible overturning of Roe v Wade

KPBS Midday Edition

Maureen Cavanaugh

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Maureen Cavanaugh has been a familiar voice for KPBS listeners for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including announcer, host, and producer. As host of KPBS Midday Edition, Maureen has interviewed a wide range of notables, such as comedienne Sandra Bernhardt, actor John Lequizamo, author Chuck Palahniuk, composer Marvin Hamlisch, artist Robert Irwin, and designer Zandra Rhodes. But of all the interviews Maureen has conducted, her most special was with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Before joining KPBS in 1997, she worked as a news anchor for KSDO and KOGO News Radio in San Diego. While working for commercial radio stations in San Diego and in Salt Lake City, Utah, Maureen reported on both hard news and lifestyle features. Maureen has received three "Golden Mike" awards from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California for economic reporting and breaking news. She has also received a "Best of Show" and “Best Radio Newscast” awards from the San Diego Press Club and the "Flo" Award from Public Radio Program Directors Association for Best Public Radio Announcer in a large market. Maureen is a native of Queens, New York, but after more than 20 years in San Diego she feels she qualifies as a real Southern Californian.

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Andrew Bracken

Andrew Bracken is a producer for KPBS Midday Edition. He is also the producer and host for the KPBS podcast series "My First Day" and "San Diego Conversations," a collaboration with KPBS and the National Conflict Resolution Center.

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What do you want to hear host Jade Hindmon talk about on Midday?

Harrison Patiño

Harrison Patiño is a producer for "KPBS Midday Edition". His primary roles include story development, and is involved in the audio production and coordination of interview subjects. Prior to joining KPBS, Harrison held various positions at Hawaii Public Radio within its news and music departments. While pursuing a double major in journalism and classics at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Harrison worked at the school's student-run radio station, KTUH. After graduating, Harrison served as a community advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Student Media Board.

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What do you want to hear host Jade Hindmon talk about on Midday?