His proposed legislation affirms women’s fundamental rights to privacy in making personal reproductive decisions
New York, NY—In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to uphold the federal abortion ban, Governor Eliot Spitzer has introduced legislation to protect the right to abortion and contraception in New York State. Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health released the following statement from New York State member and abortion provider Christopher Estes, MD, in response to the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act:
“In a political climate that routinely places political opinion above medical facts, the State of New York has proven its leadership in protecting access to reproductive healthcare. As a physician and an abortion provider, I believe the Reproductive Health Privacy and Protection Act could not come at a more timely moment in the history of medicine. This law will affirm the rights of all New Yorkers to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions.
“In 1970, New York became a haven for women throughout the country seeking access to safe, legal abortions. The Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade established the right to abortion in federal law, but New York State laws were never updated. The Reproductive Health Privacy and Protection Act will revise and modernize New York’s abortion laws and solidify the State’s commitment to protecting a woman’s fundamental human right to make medical decisions relating to contraception and pregnancy.
“As a physician, I have a duty to offer the best possible care to my patients, and to help them understand all of the healthcare options that are available to them. This act will help every doctor in New York ensure that reproductive healthcare remains available to our patients, so they can make the decisions that are right for them and their families.
“Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health strongly supports the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act, and encourages swift passage of this important legislation. All residents of New York State deserve a legislature that respects and supports the right to make private medical decisions about contraception and reproductive health.”
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