Albany, New York – New York State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas has introduced legislation, A7573, which mandates every New York insurance provider and every medical facility with maternity services to cover abortion care. New York State is a leader in reproductive rights, and as such it is important to pass legislation that recognizes abortion as a medical right in order to set the standard for equitable healthcare throughout the nation.

Reductions in abortion services do not reduce the amount of abortions within a state; rather they deny full reproductive rights and safety to New Yorkers. It is essential that abortion is not only legal, but affordable and accessible to individuals who need the service the most, like young, low income women. Without these services, individuals with unwanted pregnancies may resort to cheap and dangerous methods that could potentially lead to injury or death. Sadly, unsafe abortions, which are procedures done by untrained people, or done in an environment lacking medical necessities, account for 1 in 12 maternal deaths globally.^[1] The WHO claim that, “Almost every abortion death and disability could be prevented through sexuality education, use of effective contraception, provision of safe, legal induced abortion, and timely care for complications.” ^[2] The current lack of accessible abortion in New York aids these unsafe conditions and denies the health and safety of many New Yorkers.

The legislation, A7573, is a direct response to the hostility the federal government and a handful of states have towards abortion, and ensures the active efforts currently being taken to exclude reproductive health care from insurance coverage, do not take place within New York. In 44 states over 500 abortion restrictions have been introduced through March 2021, and currently a Mississippi abortion law trying to restrict abortions after a 15 week time span is being taken to the Supreme Court.^[3] Now more than ever, it is vital that legislation in New York protect the reproductive rights of citizens and push for accessible reproductive healthcare. This legislation is essential for the continual health of the state, and will hopefully act as an example for other states fighting for abortion access.

“Reproductive justice works towards a vision in which each and every individual has the social, political, and economic resources to make safe and informed decisions about their own bodies. People of all different races, genders, and sexual identities deserve the right to make their own choices on their reproductive health and cost and insurance should not be a barrier to that. While we have had a long history of fighting for reproductive health here in New York, there is still a lot more to do and this legislation will take us one step further towards equity,” said prime sponsor Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.

"Pregnant New Yorkers should be able to access the full range of pregnancy-related health care — from maternity care to abortion care. With threats to abortion access from across the country and the Supreme Court, New York needs to everything in its power to solidify gains in advancing abortion access. NIRH Action Fund is in strong support of S7002/A7573, and we thank Assemblymember González-Rojas and Senator Brouk for sponsoring this critical law that codifies in statute the requirement that insurers cover abortion where they already cover maternity care. All New Yorkers should be able to receive and afford the care they need and plan their families without barriers, fears, or interference from others," Andrea Miller, President, National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund

"Legality has never been enough. The right to abortion is a hollow promise when care is inaccessible. We know individuals here in New York and across the country face barriers every day that prevent them from exercising their right to abortion care. No one should be forced to continue a pregnancy because they cannot afford the care they need. Abortion is health care, and as such, should be covered by your health insurance. We thank Assemblymember González-Rojas and Senator Brouk for championing this measure which will move New York closer to a vision where every individual has true access to abortion care, and the freedom and power to chart their future," Robin Chappelle Golston, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts

“With the right to abortion in our federal constitution hanging by a thread, it is more important than ever that New York create robust access to abortion care. Barriers to abortion are prevalent across the country, including cost and lack of insurance coverage. We applaud Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas and Senator Brouk for introducing S7002/A7573, legislation that would guarantee that private insurance coverage covers abortion care when people need it,” Katharine Bodde, Assistant Policy Director, New York Civil Liberties Union

^[1] https://www.msf.org/unsafe-abortion-forgotten-emergency-womens-health

^[2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preventing-unsafe-abortion

^[3] https://www.post-journal.com/news/page-one/2021/05/abortion-insurance-coverage-requirement-proposed/