Planned Parenthood President/CEO Applauds Assembly for Leadership on Introduction of Reproductive Health Act

ALBANY, NY (06/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Assembly Member Deborah Glick has just introduced the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) (A. 11484) in the New York State Assembly. This is another example of the Assembly's strong tradition of support for women's reproductive health and justice. "We want to commend those Assembly members and leaders who, through this action, have reflected the concerns and values of the majority of New Yorkers," said Patricia McGeown, President/CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood.

UHPP provides both medication and surgical abortion services to women at three health centers in Albany, Troy and Hudson, New York. In 2009, the agency provided just over 3,000 abortions, representing 12% of their approximately 25,000 total patient visits. "As providers, we are encouraged that bill sponsors Assembly Member Glick and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver understand that New York's abortion law of 1970 is outdated and inadequate," said McGeown. "And, they see the importance of updating that law with the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring that the women of this state do not have to fear the rolling back of rights that were hard fought, and secured only after thousands of women needlessly suffered and died.

"I was a young woman in the days when abortion was illegal in our country," stated McGeown. "I witnessed the trauma and tragedy experienced by those facing an unintended pregnancy, and by their loved ones. In recent months, I have been literally shocked at the amount and intent of anti-choice legislation being introduced in state legislatures around the country. Many of these bills," McGeown stated " have been designed to challenge federal rights guaranteed under the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision, and demonstrate a lack of respect for women and health care providers and a willingness to deny women access to critical health information and/or procedures. It is time for New York State to demonstrate that it will not follow a similar path, and to ensure New Yorkers that our own laws will continue to honor the right of women to make personal and private decisions about pregnancy and parenthood, in consultation with their physicians and loved ones, and with full medical knowledge."

In New York State today, women benefit from the federal rights specified by Roe and by our subsequent state health care regulations and laws that have ensured access to a broad range of reproductive health services. But, explains McGeown, "the current U.S. Supreme Court is split on the issue of reproductive rights, with four members on record as favoring the overturning of Roe, one member with a mixed record and a new member, Justice Sontamayor, with no opportunity yet to express her perspective from the bench. If Roe were to be overturned, reproductive rights would be determined by state law. New York State's law, passed in 1970, is now inadequate and outdated"

Dr. Christine Pluviose, Vice President for Patient Services at UHPP, explained some of the other important aspects of the proposed legislation:

"The Reproductive Health Act will move the regulation of abortion in New York State out of the penal code and into the public health code. In today's world", Pluviose explained, "abortion is a standard, legal and extremely safe procedure which should be regulated in the same way as all other medical practice."

"In addition, RHA ensures that a woman will be able to have an abortion if her health is endangered," asserted Pluviose. "New York's law does not contain an exception to protect a woman should the pregnancy pose a risk to her health. After 24 weeks, our law only provides for abortion should a women's life be endangered. Women can experience a host of complications during pregnancy and, sometimes, as a result of pregnancy. These health threats include preeclampsia, stroke, infertility, placenta previa, kidney failure and more. Every situation is different and it is important that a woman's health care provider is able to use his or her best medical judgment to make the determination if a pregnant woman's health is at risk and help her decide the best course of treatment."

"In contrast to misinformation about the Reproductive Health Act, this measure will not force religiously affiliated hospitals or health care providers to provide abortion services," clarified UHPP President/CEO McGeown. "In fact, the bill specifically states: Nothing in this article shall be construed to conflict with any applicable state or federal law or regulation permitting a health care provider to refrain from providing abortions due to the provider's religious or moral beliefs.

More than three quarters of New Yorkers support pro-choice policies, concluded UHPP President/CEO McGeown. "Our state has a proud tradition of legislation to ensure that our citizens have access to comprehensive reproductive health care. This is an election year and we look to those who campaigned in earlier times on a pro-choice platform to demonstrate their commitment to women's reproductive health and rights. The Reproductive Health Act is the next necessary step to keeping women safe and healthy in New York"

The Reproductive Health Act was introduced in the Senate (S.5808) during the 2009 legislative session. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is working with lawmakers in both houses to ensure this bill becomes law for the benefit of the state's women and families.

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Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care since 1934. In 2009, over 14,000 patients made 24,975 visits to UHPP health centers located in Albany, Hudson and Troy. UHPP health educators present over 300 education programs reaching over 5,000 youth and young adults. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.