The New York Senate refused yet again to hear both the Reproductive Health Act and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act this year.
In response, Physicians for Reproductive Health Consulting Medical Director Dr. Anne Davis issued the following statement:
“As an obstetrician/gynecologist and abortion provider who cares for New Yorkers every day, I am deeply disappointed that the New York State Senate has yet again blocked the passage of legislation that is crucial to protect the health and well-being of my patients.
With anti-choice politicians in Congress intent on destroying the protections of Affordable Care Act and an anti-choice justice newly elected to the U.S. Supreme Court, New York needs to be a leader in ensuring reproductive health care access.
Along with nearly 300 other health care providers in New York State, including many Physicians for Reproductive Health members, I endorsed the Reproductive Health Act and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act. These common-sense, scientifically-supported measures would ensure that reproductive health care in New York State is protected in the face of dire threats on the federal level. Republicans in the New York State Senate and their Majority Leader, Senator John Flanagan, have blocked these bills from coming to the floor for a vote or even a debate for many years. Right now, this legislation is more crucial than ever. Our elected officials continue to obstruct the democratic process and play politics with their constituents’ health.
Access to contraception and abortion care is essential not only for my patients’ health, but for their freedom and self-determination. With anti-choice politicians in Congress intent on destroying the protections of Affordable Care Act and an anti-choice justice newly elected to the U.S. Supreme Court, New York needs to be a leader in ensuring reproductive health care access. A groundswell of states moved ahead to protect women’s reproductive health this year, and it is a shame that New York State lags behind. For example, legislators in Delaware codified Roe v. Wade, as the Reproductive Health Act would have in New York State. Nevada passed legislation to protect and expand contraception coverage gained through the Affordable Care Act, with provisions similar to those in our Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act.
I remain grateful for the tireless leadership of reproductive health, rights, and justice advocates in New York State, on these issues and many others, and to the over 50,000 New Yorkers who demanded action from the Senate. I’m proud to stand with them as the fight continues to protect the health and rights of all New Yorkers. When will our state Senate hear us?”