Planned Parenthood Action Fund: NY Women’s Equality Agenda Falls Short

Despite Gains Addressing Discrimination and Violence, Full Equality Still a Battle

Tonight, the New York State Senate approved several pieces of the Women’s Equality Agenda but failed to pass a key component that would update the state’s abortion law to clarify that it includes the federal protections in Roe v. Wade.

Over the last several months, Planned Parenthood’s local, statewide and national organizations have worked aggressively to pass the full package of protections, including the abortion rights plank that the Senate failed to pass. Following is a statement from Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“New York has taken an important step forward with several measures that will protect and empower women, but women aren’t fully equal unless they have reproductive freedom. We are very proud of the work our thousands of supporters did to pass this entire package of reforms, and we’re disappointed that dysfunction in Albany held us back this year.
“The vast majority of New Yorkers support Roe v. Wade and expect their elected officials to protect access to safe and legal abortion, even when it means bucking the broken system in Albany. Our partners and leaders who stood strong for full equality this year deserve New Yorkers’ thanks and support; those who fell short will need to answer to the voters, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund looks forward to playing an important role in that process.”