Reproductive Services Act Passes NY State Assembly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2016
Contact: Christie Petrone, 646-520-3504, [email protected]
Reproductive Services Act Passes NY State Assembly
Statement by Andrea Miller, President of the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund
and its Campaign for a Pro-Choice New York
“Earlier today, the Reproductive Services Act (A.6221), a bill that would bring New York’s abortion law in line with the federal standard set in Roe v. Wade and introduce a much-needed health exception into New York State law, passed the Assembly 88-44 after a heated floor debate. The Assembly’s willingness to fight on behalf of New York women speaks to the long-held commitment of Assembly members to protect women’s reproductive health, rights, and autonomy.
“Unfortunately, this debate shined a spotlight on the Assembly’s anti-choice members, who tried to derail the passage of this essential bill. Their inflammatory and insensitive remarks show just how out of touch they are with the realities of New Yorkers’ lives — and with the pro-choice values that the vast majority of New Yorkers hold dear.
“We applaud Speaker Heastie and Assembly member Glick for their leadership on this issue, as well as the many Assembly members who took to the floor to boldly stand up for New Yorkers’ dignity and reproductive freedom, including Assembly member Aubry, who presided over the debate. In particular, we commend the members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus who rebuffed racist, sexist statements made by anti-choice members.
“We urge the Senate to follow the Assembly’s example in prioritizing the health and dignity of New Yorkers by finally bringing the Reproductive Services Act up for a vote.”
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