On the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion in the United States, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reiterated her administration’s commitment to reproductive health care access. In an op-ed published in Empire Report, Hochul outlined recent actions taken by New York State to maintain and expand abortion rights.
Governor Hochul highlighted that since taking office, she has prioritized investments in reproductive freedom. “Immediately following the leaked release of the Dobbs decision, we invested a nation-leading $35 million to support abortion providers statewide. This funding is helping New York doctors address financial challenges and make much-needed investments in security. And in 2022, I signed New York’s ‘Shield Law’ to protect the rights of patients and prevent other states from prosecuting New York’s doctors,” Hochul wrote.
She also noted new measures for this year aimed at safeguarding those prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine by protecting their personal information. The op-ed referenced a case involving a warrant issued in Louisiana for a New York-based doctor who had provided reproductive health services for decades. “Because of our ‘Shield Law,’ we protected that New York doctor,” Hochul stated.
The governor announced nearly $25 million in state grants from the New York State Abortion Access Program directed toward organizations supporting abortion care across the state. This funding is part of over $60 million allocated in this year’s budget to defend reproductive health care access and support providers.
Hochul addressed ongoing legislative efforts nationwide restricting abortion access, saying: “Over the past three years, anti-choice politicians have done everything in their power to restrict reproductive freedom. Nineteen states have passed total or near-total abortion bans, and women have literally died because they couldn’t get the care they needed.”
She concluded with a message on behalf of her administration: “People across the nation look to us for leadership. My promise to them – and to all New Yorkers – is that we will continue to stand as a safe harbor for anyone who needs abortion care.”
“And to anyone who dares threaten these fundamental freedoms, my message is simple: Not here. Not now. Not ever,” said Governor Hochul.
