Last week, the New York State Senate advanced a comprehensive package of legislation to fortify abortion rights and health data privacy, and expand access to reproductive healthcare across New York State. This bold action follows the overwhelming approval of Proposition 1 by New York voters last November, which enshrined abortion access and equal rights in the State Constitution.
Building on this landmark achievement, the legislation addresses ongoing challenges to reproductive rights and privacy, particularly in light of possible federal threats to healthcare protections. By taking proactive measures, New York continues to lead the nation in safeguarding these essential freedoms for current and future generations.
“Last November, New Yorkers reaffirmed their commitment to reproductive freedom with the passage of Proposition 1, safeguarding abortion access and equal rights in our State Constitution. This week, we take another vital step by expanding protections for women’s health, reproductive rights, and privacy,” said Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “This legislation ensures individuals seeking abortion care receive the support they deserve, eliminates harmful substances from menstrual products, and equips healthcare providers with the training they need to deliver essential services. From protecting health data privacy to empowering pharmacists to administer contraceptive care, these measures reflect our steadfast commitment to the rights, health, and dignity of every New Yorker.”
Key provisions of this comprehensive legislative package include:
- Enhanced Privacy Protections: Requiring companies that collect and sell healthcare data to obtain affirmative consent from users before sharing their information with third parties.
- Improved Provider Safety: Introducing alternative labeling options for medication abortion prescriptions to include the name of the prescribing health care practice instead of the prescriber at the prescriber’s request.
- Safer Menstrual Products: Banning the use of harmful “restricted substances” in menstrual products.
Additionally, the package promotes education and access to reproductive healthcare by:
- Establishing the New York State Abortion Clinical Training Program Act to ensure healthcare providers are equipped to deliver vital services.
- Launching the Public University Emergency Contraception Education Act to raise awareness among students.
- Creating a public campaign on hormone therapy for menopause through the Department of Health’s Healthcare and Wellness Education and Outreach Program.
To expand access to critical care, the legislation also enables pharmacists to administer contraceptive injections and requires state contracts to include supplemental breast cancer screenings in health insurance plans.
“We see firsthand the critical importance of addressing health disparities and providing comprehensive, compassionate, evidence-based and equitable reproductive care across the lifespan of the diverse women and families we serve. This legislation aligns with the mission of our Center for Women’s Health Equity to improve health outcomes for women across New York State. We look forward and are committed to continuing our collaboration with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to advance women’s health services,” said Sean Tedjarati, MD, MPH, MBA, Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Westchester Medical Center. “We commend Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the New York State Senate for their commitment to protecting and expanding women’s health initiatives. The legislative package advanced this week is a step to help ensure that all women have access to essential healthcare services.”
“Every year, thousands of patients from across Westchester County visit Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic’s health centers to receive the health care they need and deserve. In a time when many fear losing power and freedom over their own bodies, we need our elected officials to stand unequivocally for legislation that will protect and strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health care,” said Vincent Russell, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic. “We are grateful to the New York State Senate for taking an important step to provide our patients with practical pathways to access essential, life-saving services.”
