FPA's Brooks Urges Gov. to Prioritize Women's Health in Senate; Calls for Passage of Reproductive Health Act

ALBANY, NY (06/23/2009)(readMedia)-- Family Planning Advocates of New York State (FPA) today calls on Gov. Paterson to make women's health care a priority by placing the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) on the Senate's Extraordinary Session agenda and urges New York State Senators to pass this important piece of legislation this session. "RHA was scheduled to be voted on, and enjoyed bi-partisan support in the Chamber, just two days after the self-serving coup drew the Senate's work to a screeching halt," said M. Tracey Brooks, FPA President and CEO.

RHA will update New York's nearly 40-year-old law guaranteeing a woman's ability to make personal, private decisions about her reproductive health care.

"Governor Paterson has been a long-time champion of women's reproductive health care, which is in line with the overwhelming support in New York State for a woman's right to decide when and whether to have a child," said Brooks. "Nearly three-quarters of New Yorker voters support passage of the Reproductive Health Act, a clear indication the Senate should take action before session ends."

In advancing this bill, Gov. Paterson will be carrying out the mandate voters called for in the last two elections by electing progressive leaders to the New York State Legislature. "Nearly 85 percent of New York voters say they want the state to play an active role in protecting and strengthening reproductive health care, and the Senate has the opportunity to do that immediately," Brooks said. "We urge New York State Senators to remember why New Yorkers elected them, end their stand off, and pass the Reproductive Health Act."

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