CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 219

Introduced by Assembly Member Papan

June 03, 2026

Relative to California OB-GYN Week.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


ACR 219, as introduced, Papan. California OB-GYN Week.
This measure would designate the week of May 24, 2026, to May 30, 2026, inclusive, as California OB-GYN Week to recognize the essential contributions of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) to the health care system and the critical role they play in delivering comprehensive, preventive, and primary care services, and to encourage the continued recognition and support of OB-GYNs to ensure access to high-quality, equitable health care for all Californians.
Fiscal Committee: NO  
WHEREAS, Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are uniquely trained physicians and surgeons who provide comprehensive health care services to patients across their lifespan, from childhood through menopause and beyond; and
WHEREAS, OB-GYNs receive extensive education and clinical training in reproductive physiology and the physiological, social, cultural, environmental, and genetic factors that influence health and disease; and
WHEREAS, For millions of women, transgender individuals, and birthing people across California, OB-GYNs serve not only as specialists but also as their primary care clinicians, often representing the first, and sometimes only, point of contact with the health care system; and
WHEREAS, OB-GYNs routinely provide a wide range of preventive and primary care services beyond pregnancy-related care, including screenings for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, management of acute and chronic conditions, vaccinations, and counseling on behavioral health, nutrition, and substance use; and
WHEREAS, National clinical guidance recognizes OB-GYNs as providers of primary and preventive care through the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and endorsed by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, affirming OB-GYNs’ role in delivering well-person visits and preventive screenings; and
WHEREAS, Women compose more than one-half of California’s population and are more likely to face barriers in accessing primary care services, making the role of OB-GYNs critical in ensuring equitable access to care; and
WHEREAS, OB-GYNs provide continuous, relationship-based care that supports patients through key life transitions, including reproductive health, pregnancy, postpartum care, and menopause, thereby improving long-term health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, OB-GYNs play multiple roles on a patient’s care team, delivering both specialized medical and surgical care for complex conditions and essential preventive and screening services for overall health maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Investing in OB-GYNs when they are delivering primary care services will expand access to care and strengthen OB-GYNs as primary care providers who serve as the backbone of women’s health care; and
WHEREAS, The health and well-being of families and communities across California depend on the availability of highly skilled OB-GYNs who provide care spanning generations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the week of May 24, 2026, to May 30, 2026, inclusive, as California OB-GYN Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes the essential contributions of OB-GYNs to the health care system and the critical role they play in delivering comprehensive, preventive, and primary care services; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature encourages continued recognition and support of OB-GYNs to ensure access to high-quality, equitable health care for all Californians; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.