(Washington, DC) -- Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released their decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, abolishing the right of a woman to receive an abortion.
Statement from
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
"Today we were handed the daunting news of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision overturning Row v. Wade, preventing millions of women from the opportunity of choice, choice to determine their reproductive future. The landmark decision in 1973 has been knocked down in an 'effort to protect unborn children'. The question now lies; how do we protest the mothers who are not emotionally, physically or financially prepared to care for a child? How will these children be protected? We have just seen in these past two days two striking blows from the Supreme Court (NYS strict gun laws, and the right to an abortion), which leave us to think that their decisions as of late are not truly for the well being of the people of our nation."
Statement from The New York State Assembly Majority
“Today is a dark day in American history as years of progress are thrown out the window and the very freedoms our country prides itself on are taken away from half our population. There was a time the prospect of overturning Roe v. Wade seemed unthinkable. Why would a ruling that advanced the rights of women and allowed them to make their own reproductive decisions ever be up for debate? But our country is in a much different place than it once was. The other side’s blatant disregard for democracy over the last few years got us to this point and will now have long-lasting consequences. But while it was a decision we saw coming, that doesn’t take away our anger and disappointment, or fear of what’s to follow.
“Here in New York State, we’ve been preparing for this day and passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 to codify Roe v. Wade into state law. But as anti-choice states across the country began invoking their own draconian laws and threatening those who assist in abortions, the Assembly Majority knew we needed to do more to protect the right to choose. That’s why we made sure to pass a series of legislation before closing out legislative session to ensure health care providers can provide safe, legal abortions in our state without fear of legal repercussions. We also recognize that women across the country may look to our state if and when they need this medical care. Our laws help make New York a safe haven for these individuals so they know they have a place to turn.
“We know that this horrible reversal of a 50-year law means that nothing is off the table when it comes to stripping away our rights. All the progress our country has made stands to be erased if our highest court continues down this path. The Assembly Majority is more committed than ever to protecting New Yorkers’ civil liberties and will work tirelessly to ensure fundamental freedoms such as access to contraception, LGBTQ+ rights and interracial marriage are never jeopardized in our state.
“This Supreme Court decision isn’t representative of the people or the values our country proudly boasts. While we allow ourselves to feel disheartened and outraged today, we must pick ourselves up and channel that energy into action. New York State will always be on the right side of history and remain a leader in the fight for equality and justice for all.”
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