Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera Calling For Planned Parenthood To Be Eligible For State Assistance

Last week, as Republican members of Congress announced their plans to defund Planned Parenthood, State Senator Gustavo Rivera introduced bill S.159. This bill will allow freestanding diagnostic and treatment centers that receive comprehensive family planning reproductive health services grants, such as Planned Parenthood, to become eligible for state assistance for indigent care. This bill has now been referred to the Senate's Health Committee and is sponsored by Assemblywoman Deborah Glick in the New York State Assembly. 
 
"In light of last week's attack by Speaker Paul Ryan and Republican members of Congress against Planned Parenthood, it is evident that our State needs to do everything in its power to ensure the health care needes of New Yorkers are protected and to prevent women in New York State from being left facing unnecessary roadblocks when it comes to their own personal health decisions. That's why I am proud to announce that I have introduced a bill in the State Senate that would protect Planned Parenthood in New York State by allowing them to receive state aid for an array of services they are already providing to some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. 

Now, more than ever, I’m committed to passing this bill as well as similar measures put forth by my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Conference. As we fight to uphold New York State's tradition and values, we must work together and fiercely protect the reproductive rights and the health of the millions of women in New York State that depend on the life saving services that Planned Parenthood provides.”