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New law enshrines Roe v Wade into state law 46 years after landmark decision, protecting reproductive rights and abortion access at the state level, setting precedent for states around the country to act
New York – On the 46th Anniversary of Roe v Wade, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Reproductive Health Act, the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, and the Boss Bill after both the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate easily passed the trifecta. The enactment of these laws marks an important step forward for New York State and sets a precedent for others around the country seeking to advance proactive legislation. The following is a statement from Andrea Miller, President of the National Institute for Reproductive Health and its Action Fund:
“With the swipe of his pen, Governor Andrew Cuomo made history in New York today. By signing into law a trifecta of reproductive freedom bills – including the Reproductive Health Act – Governor Cuomo has thrust New York into the modern age. With these bills signed into law, New York is taking its rightful place as a national leader advancing the right and ability of women to make fundamental decisions about their reproductive lives,” said Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health and its Action Fund. “Governor Cuomo has long been an advocate for women’s rights and as the first state to secure reproductive rights and expand access to reproductive health care – including abortion – in 2019, the whole country now knows it. Now that New York has set a precedent, the state will inspire a myriad of others across the country to step up and take action – particularly as we can no longer count on the federal government or Supreme Court to do so. Tonight, New Yorkers can finally rest easy knowing that regardless of what happens in Washington, Roe v. Wade’s recognition of abortion rights will be enshrined in our state’s law, protecting reproductive freedom for generations to come.”
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The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) builds power at the state and local levels to change public policy, galvanize public support, and normalize women’s decisions about abortion and contraception.
The NIRH Action Fund conducts nonpartisan advocacy and electoral engagement to advance reproductive freedom in states and cities across the country.