A 6112 Glick S 2844 Stewart Cousins
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT
Referred to Assembly Health Committee Agenda
Reported to Codes Committee
Referred to Health Committee 01/25/2011
An ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to enacting the "reproductive health act" and revising existing provisions regarding abortions; to amend the penal law, the criminal procedure law, the county law and the judiciary law, in relation to abortion; to repeal certain provisions of the education law relating to the sale of contraceptives; and to repeal certain provisions of the penal law relating to abortion
The American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) supports this legislation which would protect a woman's private and personal decision about when and whether to have a child. The Reproductive Health Act, or RHA, modernizes and updates current New York State law which has become sorely inadequate since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973. RHA simply re-affirms New York State's commitment to protect and respect women's health and the right to make private reproductive health care decisions, no matter what happens in the Supreme Court. In particular, RHA provides for a "health" exception in addition to the current "life" statutory exception. Therefore, this legislation would allow for an abortion to be performed at any time during the course of pregnancy if, in the good faith medical judgment of a physician, such termination is necessary in order to protect the health of the mother.
RHA treats the regulation of abortion as an issue of public health and medical practice (instead of a criminal issue) and guarantees every woman the right to use or refuse contraception. ACOG supports timely access to reproductive health services and medications, including daily contraceptives and emergency contraception.
ACOG continues to support initiatives to assure that quality health care is available to meet every woman's needs throughout her life and to guarantee that a full array of clinical services are available without costly delays or the imposition of geographic, financial, attitudinal or legal barriers.
For these reasons, ACOG SUPPORTS A.6122(Glick)/S.2844(Stewart-Cousins) and urges its passage.
May 25, 2011
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District II (ACOG) represents the board certified obstetrician-gynecologists in the state who deliver health care to New York's women. Our Albany office offers the New York State Legislature its resources as a scientific and educational organization dedicated to quality health care for women. If you have questions on this or any other state legislative proposal, please contact our office at 518-436-3461.