New York State Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer: NYS Senate Passes Senator Mayer’s Bill to Protect Abortion and Reproductive Health Service Providers Using Telehealth.

 

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

January 25, 2023

NYS Senate Passes Senator Mayer’s Bill to Protect Abortion and 

Reproductive Health Service Providers Using Telehealth.

(ALBANY, NY) - The New York State Senate passed Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes’ bill, S.1066A/Assembly number forthcoming, which provides explicit protections for doctors, medical providers, and facilitators serving patients seeking abortion and reproductive health services via telehealth. 

Just days after the 50th anniversary of the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade, the New York State Senate passed a package of bills to cement New York’s status as a reproductive health care sanctuary state. Included as part of this package, S.1066A affirms New York’s role as a nationwide leader by further safeguarding access to abortion for people in this state and across the country. 

The Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has had a devastating effect on women across the country. Despite nearly six in ten adults disapproving of the decision, and 62% of Americans agreeing that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, 26 states have banned or are expected to ban abortion in most circumstances. S.1066A represents an effort to counteract the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision, building upon protections provided in a package of laws the legislature passed last year, by explicitly addressing reproductive health services provided by licensed New York providers and physicians via telehealth, even when the patient is located outside of New York.

New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud that my bill, S.1066A, has passed the Senate. This legislation will protect reproductive health care providers by safeguarding them against any out-of-state interference –– allowing New York providers to be a resource for Americans who have had their rights stripped away. New York has been and continues to be a nationwide leader for reproductive rights. We will not forego or forget our sisters across state lines. I am honored to be a part of a state legislature that is so dedicated to its constituents and fellow Americans.” 

Senator Mayer continued: “I am grateful for the tireless efforts and contributions from the medical community, advocacy community, Senate staff, and New Yorkers across the state who believe that every person has the right to receive safe and private care from our world-class practitioners living in New York. I especially want to thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Karines Reyes for carrying this bill in the Assembly.”