With Reproductive Rights Under Fire Nationwide, Senator Cooney Hosts 'Women's Health Policy Briefing' For Rochester Community

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Last night, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) hosted a women’s health policy briefing alongside Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts CEO Robin Chappelle Golston to educate hundreds of local community members on the current state of abortion access federally, as well as the actions being taken to protect access to reproductive healthcare and maintain the right to choose in New York State.

“As much of our nation moves backwards when it comes to protecting reproductive healthcare, it’s time for New York to take the lead,” said Senator Cooney. “We will always fight back against regressive policies nationwide, protect our healthcare workers, and ensure everyone has the autonomy to make decisions concerning their body. This briefing was an opportunity to inform the community on the steps we’re taking in New York and on the current state of reproductive healthcare access.” 

“We want to thank Senator Cooney for hosting this webinar to keep his constituents well-informed. This is a critical time to stay engaged as we grapple with the significant challenges to access to reproductive healthcare on the federal level. Understanding the threats will help hold the line against them,” said Robin Chappelle Golston, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts.

Last night’s briefing came on the heels of a standoff between Governor Hochul and Louisiana when the Governor refused to extradite a New York doctor who prescribed abortion pills via telehealth to a Louisiana resident. Senator Cooney noted his support for this decision and outlined recent steps the state legislature has taken. 

Senator Cooney explained the passage of Proposition 1 in last year’s election, enshrining previously passed abortion protections into the state constitution. The Legislature and the Governor also recently signed a new law (S.36A/A.2145A) that would allow healthcare providers to list their practice’s name on prescriptions rather than their own name to ensure healthcare provider privacy. The Senator additionally noted several bills he is working on alongside his colleagues, including his bill (S3146) which authorizes reproductive healthcare workers from other states to practice in New York while waiting for their official certification, aligning with the Senator’s goals to make New York a reproductive healthcare safe haven.

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