For Immediate Release: July 18, 2018

Contact: Gary Ginsburg | ginsburg@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2415

ICYMI: Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Op-Ed:

Want to protect women's reproductive health in New York? Elect
Democrats to Senate

LoHud published the following op-ed by Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today,
July 18, 2018: https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/contributors/2018/07/18/stewart-cousins-gop-
senators-blocked-reproductive-health-bills/777044002/

In 1970, three years before the national Roe v. Wade decision, New York State decriminalized
abortion. This historic accomplishment was done with bipartisan support, including 12 Republican
senators who worked with their Democratic colleagues to pass the bill through the Republican-led
chamber. Today, almost 50 years later, not one Republican in our Senate chamber will stand up to
simply affirm a woman’s right to choose and codify the Roe v. Wade decision into state law. This
fact, along with the rise of Donald Trump, shows how extreme New York Senate Republicans have
become.

Donald Trump and his GOP allies have been very clear that their priority is to repeal Roe v. Wade
and work to roll back the clock on women’s rights. If that happens, New York State will be in a
dangerous position since our laws are outdated and we have been unable to modernize them because
of State Senate Republican obstruction.

Multiple times this past legislative session my Senate Democratic Conference fought to force
women’s reproductive health-care bills to the Senate floor for a vote. Rather than allow a simple yes
or no vote on these bills, the Senate Republican Majority went so far as to shut down the State
Senate and refused to even allow my colleagues to speak about these important women’s health
issues. This type of extremist behavior has no place in a state like New York where the voters
overwhelmingly support women’s rights and health-care options. That is why it is essential we elect
more pro-choice Senate candidates, so we can finally take action and stand up for the rights of New
York women.

Our state has been stuck in the mud because the Senate Republicans have fought progress and still
refuse to listen to the majority of New York voters. This is why we have been unable to take
meaningful action on women’s rights, election reform, gun safety, protecting vulnerable
communities, combating corruption, criminal justice reforms, environmental protection, and a host
of other issues.

As millions of New Yorkers watch what is happening nationally, they are understandably frustrated
that their state government can’t do more to protect and expand their rights. Thankfully, we also
know that elections have consequences. As we approach another important election cycle, New
Yorkers have an opportunity to elect a progressive, pro-choice Senate Majority. Together, we have
the ability to move New York forward.

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New York State Senate | DemocraticConferenceNews@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2415