NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday took “aggressive action” to cement New York State as a safe harbor for women seeking abortion care, in response to the anti-abortion laws in Texas and across the U.S.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand joined Gov. Hochul for the announcement on Monday and called the anti-abortion laws in Texas “abhorrent.”
“Having control over your own body and your own future is a basic human right. But that right is being threatened every day. The recent law in Texas - and the Supreme Court's refusal to block it - is dangerous and disturbing. This law is not just unconscionable, it's unconstitutional,” she said in a statement.
New York State already has strong protections for abortions and Gov. Hochul said she wants new regulations to help spread the word, and ensure every woman knows that New York is a safe place for those seeking abortion care.
“We’re gonna make sure that we direct all state agencies, I'm doing that right now as we speak – particularly the Department of Health – to launch a public information campaign so New Yorkers and those who come here will know all the rights they have available when it comes to abortion access,” the governor said.
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As part of the campaign, state agencies are being instructed to develop a “patient bill of rights” and the DOH will develop and “widely distribute” guidance to providers so that medication abortion can be more easily accessed through telehealth visits.
"Abortion access is safe in New York - the rights of those who are seeking abortion services will always be protected here," Hochul said. "This plan will affirm that in our state, and leaders like Senator Gillibrand will fight on a national level. To the women of Texas, I want to say I am with you. Lady Liberty is here to welcome you with open arms."
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The governor is also demanding that Facebook do more to combat abortion misinformation online.
“We need them to do more on the vaccine, but they have started,” she said. “They have to handle the abortion access information as well.”
Hochul said pro-life “extremists” are flooding social media with propaganda.