Governor Hochul: ‘New York will always be there for anyone who needs reproductive health care’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York’s abortion rights laws will keep abortion legal here—whether or not the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade—but Tuesday, Governor Hochul said they are doing more to make sure no one can get around them.

Governor Hochul said abortion was legalized in the state of New York three years before Roe v. Wade in 1970 and said she’s putting in place different options to enhance the protection they already have.

Hochul said access to reproductive health is a human right and they will do whatever they can to protect that.

Governor Hochul said earlier this month that the state budget actually requires that health plans in New York State cover abortion services and they are working proactively now in anticipation of whatever happens with the Supreme Court.

She said they will not just stand by, and anyone who needs care is welcomed to New York with open arms.

“Under my direction. The Department of Health is working closely with experts and advocates to issue regulations to ensure that telemedicine abortion is available here, to offer clear guidance to providers and provide information to patients about their right to abortion,” Hochul said. “Let me be clear. We’re not playing defense. We’re playing offense. So my message to women all across this country is that New York, the state of New York, will always be there for anyone who needs reproductive health care, including an abortion.”

Hochul also said their policy team is looking at legislative solutions and executive actions that will help protect providers who might help those who do end up coming to New York from other states that may ban abortions if it comes to that.