Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State will stockpile the abortion medication Misoprostol in a proactive effort to ensure continued access to abortion. The New York State Department of Health has been directed to purchase 150,000 doses of Misoprostol, a five-year supply, to meet anticipated needs.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York will always be a safe harbor for abortion care, and I am taking action to protect abortion access in our State and continue to lead the nation in defending the right to reproductive autonomy.” She emphasized that the state’s actions are in response to anti-choice extremists who aim to dismantle the country’s reproductive healthcare system.
In addition to the stockpiling initiative, Governor Hochul announced that if Mifepristone, another abortion medication, is taken off the market, the State will commit up to $20 million to support access to alternative methods of care. This comes after a nation-leading $35 million investment to support abortion providers last year.
Furthermore, Hochul is working with the Legislature on new legislation requiring private insurers to cover Misoprostol when prescribed off-label for abortion. The legislation also seeks to ensure that providers are not charged increased medical malpractice coverage rates or lose coverage due to off-label Misoprostol prescriptions.
Governor Hochul’s proposed FY 2024 Executive Budget includes several actions to protect access to abortion care and support providers, such as increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, providing $25 million in support to providers, allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control, implementing data privacy protections, and expanding abortion access on SUNY and CUNY campuses.
These measures reflect Governor Hochul’s commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights in New York State, especially in light of the recent Dobbs decision by the United States Supreme Court, which has eroded reproductive rights for millions of people.
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