Glen Cove, New York – Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) is sponsoring new legislation to protect abortion rights nationwide. The Geraldine Santoro Act of 2022 (A10232) comes in anticipation of the expected ruling by the United States Supreme Court overturning the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision and with several states passing their own legislation restricting women’s reproductive rights. The bill is named after Santoro, who died from an unsafe abortion in 1964, and whose death inspired abortion rights activists. It provides protection for women seeking abortions and related medical services, whether or not they reside in New York. In addition, it aims to prevent harms from unsafe and unregulated abortions, and to mitigate the disproportionate impact of abortion bans on indigent women and women of color. A key component of the legislation is funding for those who are low income and who may need to travel across one or more states to receive access to care.

“New York must expand its protections to those seeking care regardless of where they reside. In the event Roe v. Wade is overturned, this bill enables anyone in a state where abortion is unlawful to receive the care they are entitled to. Abortion rights are human rights and New York must continue to be a national leader in protecting women’s reproductive rights.”