Planned Parenthood CEO urges Governor and Senate to prioritize women's health

Two weeks ago, the Senate turned their backs on the voters of New York by bringing passage of important legislation to a halt. Patricia McGeown, President/CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood today calls on Gov. Paterson to make women's health care a priority by placing the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) on the Senate's agenda and urges New York State Senators to pass this important piece of legislation this session. RHA was scheduled for a full vote on June 10, 2009 with bi-partisan support in the Senate.

"New Yorkers overwhelmingly support a woman's right to decide when and whether to have a child," said McGeown. "Nearly three-quarters of New Yorkers support passage of the Reproductive Health Act which 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.

In advancing this bill, Gov. Paterson will be carrying out a strong desire by voters to support this right. "Close to 85 percent of New York voters say they want the State to play an active role protecting and strengthening reproductive health care," McGeown said. "We urge New York State Senators to do the people's business and pass the Reproductive Health Act."