Statement From State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood in New York State

“It is appalling that in a state that has historically championed women’s rights, a legislator would seek to push a bill that seeks to curtail women's access to healthcare by attempting to defund Planned Parenthood. 

For decades, Planned Parenthood has provided women in our State and our country with high quality and affordable healthcare services, such as birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment.  

In introducing this bill, Assemblyman Katz has not only proven the need to pass measures like the Reproductive Health Act in New York State, but he has also strengthened my commitment in ensuring that we protect the reproductive rights and health of the millions of women in New York that depend on the services Planned Parenthood provides. I strongly urge my  colleagues in the Assembly's Health Committee to reject this measure."