Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced that she helped pass a legislative package to strengthen women’s reproductive rights, require insurers cover contraception without co-pays or restrictions and better protect New Yorkers from discrimination for their reproductive health care decisions.

“Reproductive freedom is a constitutional right that was established 46 years ago, yet far too many women still have to jump through unnecessary and demeaning hoops to exercise this right,” said Jean-Pierre. “These measures are essential and long-overdue steps toward total equality in New York State. Recognizing that reproductive rights are human rights ensures women have control over their own health, safety and future.”

Jean-Pierre helped pass a measure that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their reproductive health choices and other health care decisions, and bars employers from accessing an employee’s private medical information without their prior informed, written consent (A.584). In addition, she helped pass the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act, which requires that health insurers provide cost-free coverage of all FDA-approved contraceptives when prescribed by a health care provider (A.585-A).

“Contraception isn’t just about family planning – it is also a crucial part of a woman’s health and financial security,” said Jean-Pierre.

Additionally, Jean-Pierre co-sponsored and helped pass the Reproductive Health Act, which codifies the protections of Roe v. Wade into state law (A.21). The bill affirms a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy within 24 weeks, or when the pregnancy isn’t viable or endangers the mother’s life or health. This will ensure women in New York State have access to abortion, regardless of any attempts to overturn this right, Jean-Pierre noted.