Liz Krueger Honored for Her Commitment to Women's Reproductive Health

Senator Krueger Awarded the Family Planning Advocates of New York Margaret Sanger Award at Ceremony Featuring Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith, Sex in the City Actress Cynthia Nixon

Albany—State Senator Liz Krueger was honored yesterday for her exemplary commitment to women's reproductive health by the Family Planning Advocates of New York (FPA). At the event, which marked FPA's 30th anniversary of advocacy, Krueger was introduced as the recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award by Senate Democratic leader Malcolm Smith. The luncheon ceremony also featured Governor Eliot Spitzer, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Sex in the City star Cynthia Nixon.

"Women's reproductive health is about making sure women and their families know all their options, that pregnant women get the best care possible, that newborns are welcomed into the world and provided for from birth through adulthood, and that the best practices in health care – not politics – determine public policy," Krueger told the 1,000+ member crowd.  "Age appropriate sex education and easy access to birth control for women and men
protects us all."

"Liz Krueger is the right choice for receiving the prestigious Margaret Sanger Award, as she is a tireless advocate for the right of all New York women to determine their own reproductive destiny," said Senator Smith. "We need people like Liz Krueger in elected office who summon the courage to stand up for the rights of millions of women. The stability of many New York families depends upon it."

First elected to the Senate in 2002, Senator Krueger distinguished herself early on as a champion of women's reproductive planning rights, spearheading efforts to pass the Women's Health and Wellness Act, which requires insurers to provide contraception coverage. She continues to be a leader in advocating unfettered access to emergency contraception for women of all ages.

Krueger has also been a strong advocate for other progressive causes including tenants' rights, affordable housing, improved access to health care and prescription drug coverage, open government, campaign finance reform, more equitable funding for public education and animal welfare.

Krueger is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development. Prior to joining the Senate, she helped lead the fight against hunger and poverty as founding director of the New York City Food Bank and as associate director of the Community Food Resource Center.

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