“The Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS) decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, law of the land for almost 50 years, was a reckless action taken by the Court’s majority and a devastating blow for reproductive rights and the freedoms of all Americans.”

“This decision will be devastating to women across the country, but here in New York we have and will continue to stand with women and protect their right to reproductive choice. Today, I eagerly joined my colleagues in NYS Legislature to pass the Equality Amendment concurrent resolution. The passage of this resolution is the first step necessary to include reproductive choice in our New York State Constitution.”

“The decision to end Roe v. Wade has placed many more basic civil rights in danger – including access to contraception and LGBTQ+ rights. Therefore, the Equality Amendment passed today included those two rights and expressly makes clear that equal rights may not be denied on account of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed or religion, or sex including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy. New York State has always strived to uplift all people and fervently defend equality and civil rights. Today, we build on that record by passing an Equality Amendment that will protect New Yorkers from discrimination.”

“For many years, I fought to pass New York State’s Reproductive Health Act, legislation that codified Roe v. Wade in our state. In 2019, we were finally able to pass the legislation and guarantee that New York’s women would have access to reproductive healthcare.”

“When the impending Supreme Court’s decision was leaked to the public and it appeared the majority justices were going to repeal a woman’s right to abortion care, we in the Assembly Majority knew we would have to do more to protect access to women’s reproductive health. We acted quickly, passing safe-haven legislation that would protect reproductive health service providers and safeguard the right to access abortion services in New York, including by women who reside outside of our State. Our work today in passing this Equality Amendment is the latest step in continuing our efforts to ensure equality for women and all of our citizens.”

“New York is sending the SCOTUS and Conservative Right a strong message by passing the Equality Amendment, a message that says we will not allow you to strip us of our rights to equality, freedom, identity, safety, privacy and dignity.”