New York Lawmakers Move to Enshrine Abortion Rights in State Constitution

On Friday, legislators in New York State approved a constitutional amendment that, if ultimately ratified by voters, would guarantee women in the state the right to obtain abortions and contraceptive services. 

As a result of Friday's vote, the first step has been taken toward incorporating the language into the New York Constitution. 

In order for the amendment to take effect, it must first be approved by lawmakers at their next meeting in January of next year, and then by voters in a referendum. 

The amendment language correctly identifies protection for rights associated with pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and independence. 

The amendment was approved by a vote of 49 to 14 in the state Senate and 98 to 43 in the state Assembly on the same day, Friday. 

During a news conference on Friday, New York's Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, said that writing abortion protections into the state constitution "is going to protect reproductive health in the state of New York for generations to come." 

Both actions were in reaction to rulings by the United States Supreme Court.