New York just signed a bill to protect women’s reproductive rights even if Roe v. Wade gets overturned
Yesterday, January 22nd, was the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S. In those 46 years, the ruling has been continually challenged, and with a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, many Americans now worry that it could be overturned. However, there is some good news: New York has passed the Reproductive Health Act—a new law designed to protect New Yorkers’ right to legal abortions.
According to HuffPost, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the law today, January 23rd, after it passed through the state legislature on January 22nd. The act not only keeps abortion legal statewide but also decriminalizes abortions performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Under the new law, abortions after that point are permitted if the pregnant person’s life or health are threatened, or if the fetus is not viable. CBS New York notes that the Reproductive Health Act will also allow nurses to perform abortions and end criminal charges for physically “harming” an unborn child. HuffPost points out that the act was first introduced back in 2006, but Republicans in the state legislature have delayed its passage—until now.
BREAKING: New York State Senate just made HISTORY and passed the Reproductive Health Act on the anniversary of #RoevWade! pic.twitter.com/u2diMzgSQW
— 📢 PPGNY Action Fund (@PPGNYact) January 22, 2019
Today, New York State finally passed the Reproductive Health Act – ensuring that women in NY will be protected, even if Trump’s Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
Thanks to the advocates who’ve been fighting year after year to make this historic moment possible! https://t.co/McPAAP2Gti
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) January 22, 2019
We did it. The New York State Senate just passed the Reproductive Health Act, finally codifying Roe v. Wade into state law.
A woman's right to control her own body is hers and hers alone. We will protect it in New York. #RHA
— Senator Brad Hoylman (@bradhoylman) January 22, 2019
In a press release, Cuomo celebrated the passing of the new legislation.
"Today we are taking a giant step forward in the hard-fought battle to ensure a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own personal health, including the ability to access an abortion," his statement read. "With the signing of this bill, we are sending a clear message that whatever happens in Washington, women in New York will always have the fundamental right to control their own body."
SIGNED.
The #ReproductiveHealthAct is now law. Congratulations all! pic.twitter.com/UXtnRsKT5d
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 23, 2019
The #ReproductiveHealthAct is now law in New York State. We lit the spire pink to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/dJbZqvWefV
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 23, 2019
New York’s new abortion law is a huge victory in the fight for reproductive freedom. But with Planned Parenthood funding at risk and states continuing to pass heartbeat bills, it’s clear there’s still a long way to go. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before other states protect this human right, too.
