Governor Hochul signs legislation to further safeguard abortion rights and reproductive healthcare

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation this week to enable providers who prescribe medications used to perform abortions to request that the dispensing pharmacy print the name of their practice on prescription labels instead of their personal name.

“Reproductive freedom will always be protected in the State of New York — and I’ll never back down from this fight,” Governor Hochul said, while citing attacks on reproductive rights from other states and the federal government.

The Governor says New York’s shield law enables healthcare providers in the State to provide medication used to treat abortion to patients in states that have taken steps to limit abortion services, with the ultimate goal of assisting women who might otherwise struggle to access abortion care.

“I’m taking action to strengthen protections for health care professionals and their patients, ensuring New York is a safe haven for anyone providing or receiving reproductive care. At a time when fundamental rights are under attack across the country, we are doubling down on our commitment to safeguard access to reproductive health care and defend those on the frontlines of this battle,” Hochul added.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022, the Governor's Office claims that various states across the nation have taken steps to limit access to abortion services.

As of October 2024, 21 states enacted laws that impose greater restrictions than those previously allowed under Roe v. Wade. Among these, 13 states effectively implemented a complete ban, while another four states prohibited abortions after six weeks — a time when many women may not even realize they are pregnant, Hochul's office added.

Over half of women aged 18-49 live in states with some form of abortion restrictions.

Legislation S.36A/A.2145A enhances New York’s shield law by offering additional protections for doctors prescribing medications used to perform abortions to patients in hostile states.

This bill would allow prescribers to ask that the dispensing pharmacy print the name of their practice instead of their personal names on the prescription labels for mifepristone, misoprostol and generic alternatives.

Governor Hochul reached an agreement with the Legislature to further strengthen these protections.

The new measure allows providers to request that their practice address be listed instead, requires notice to the patient, and ensures that pharmacies assist with this protective measure.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.