Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Op-Ed: Want to protect women's reproductive health in New York? Elect Democrats to Senate

In 1970, three years before the national Roe v. Wade decision, New York State decriminalized abortion. This historic accomplishment was done with bipartisan support, including 12 Republican senators who worked with their Democratic colleagues to pass the bill through the Republican-led chamber. Today, almost 50 years later, not one Republican in our Senate chamber will stand up to simply affirm a woman’s right to choose and codify the Roe v. Wade decision into state law. This fact, along with the rise of Donald Trump, shows how extreme New York Senate Republicans have become.

Donald Trump and his GOP allies have been very clear that their priority is to repeal Roe v. Wade and work to roll back the clock on women’s rights. If that happens, New York State will be in a dangerous position since our laws are outdated and we have been unable to modernize them because of State Senate Republican obstruction.

Multiple times this past legislative session my Senate Democratic Conference fought to force women’s reproductive health-care bills to the Senate floor for a vote. Rather than allow a simple yes or no vote on these bills, the Senate Republican Majority went so far as to shut down the State Senate and refused to even allow my colleagues to speak about these important women’s health issues. This type of extremist behavior has no place in a state like New York where the voters overwhelmingly support women’s rights and health-care options. That is why it is essential we elect more pro-choice Senate candidates, so we can finally take action and stand up for the rights of New York women.

Our state has been stuck in the mud because the Senate Republicans have fought progress and still refuse to listen to the majority of New York voters. This is why we have been unable to take meaningful action on women’s rights, election reform, gun safety, protecting vulnerable communities, combating corruption, criminal justice reforms, environmental protection, and a host of other issues.

As millions of New Yorkers watch what is happening nationally, they are understandably frustrated that their state government can’t do more to protect and expand their rights. Thankfully, we also know that elections have consequences. As we approach another important election cycle, New Yorkers have an opportunity to elect a progressive, pro-choice Senate Majority. Together, we have the ability to move New York forward.