Almost 50 years after New York became one of the first states in the nation to make abortion legal, the state law has become the center of a reignited debate. 

The Planned Parenthood in Syracuse became the first free-standing abortion clinic nationwide in 1970 — one day after it became legal.

Michelle Casey, the Central and Western New York organization's CEO, says it's the busiest center within the 18 counties covered.

She adds the location has transformed in multiple ways, beyond its remodeling, new technology and education services.

"We have much better methods of birth control and long acting reversible contraception, which really has helped lower unwanted pregnancy rates overall," said Casey. "So, abortion is much less common than it was in the ‘70s."

The Planned Parenthood is also renovating its clinical space to meet the needs of patients. It is expected to be finished by January.