Senator Serrano Votes to Pass Historic Reproductive Rights Legislation
January 22, 2019
(New York, NY)- Senator Serrano and the New York State Senate Majority Conference today passed a series of historic bills that will protect women’s reproductive rights in New York. Passed on the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) (S.240), sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger, will codify that decision into New York law and modernize New York’s statutes to protect women’s rights. The Senate Majority also passed the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act (CCCA) (S.659-A), sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, which will ensure insurance companies cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and products. Additionally, the Boss Bill (S.660), sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger, will prevent an employer's religious beliefs from infringing on women's health care decisions. Senator Serrano is a cosponsor of all three pieces of legislation.
"As the federal government threatens to overturn Roe v. Wade, protecting a woman's right to reproductive health options is more important than ever," said Senator Serrano. "By updating an outdated, 50-year old law, we have ensured that women in New York will have access to the important health services and support they need, while standing up for the rights of working families to make personal health care decisions without facing discrimination. I would like to thank my colleagues, Senator Krueger, Senator Metzger and Senator Salazar for their commitment to women's right to healthcare."