New York lawmakers are considering whether to expand protections for providers of reproductive health and abortion services who offer telehealth consultations.
Supporters of the legislation contend the measure is necessary in order to protect doctors and other health care providers who offer services to women in states that have placed legal restrictions on abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year.
But opponents, including the Catholic Church, believe the proposal does little to aid women's health.
The measure was advanced earlier this week in the Democratic-led state Senate and awaits potential action in the state Assembly.
The telehealth bill, backed by state Sen. Shelley Mayer and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, is meant to add a layer of legal protections for providers who offer their services to women who reside in states wither stricter abortion access laws such as barring professional misconduct charges.
"This legislation will protect reproductive health care providers by safeguarding them against any out-of-state interference –– allowing New York providers to be a resource for Americans who have had their rights stripped away," Mayer said. "New York has been and continues to be a nationwide leader for reproductive rights. We will not forego or forget our sisters across state lines. I am honored to be a part of a state legislature that is so dedicated to its constituents and fellow Americans.”
But opponents, including the New York Catholic Conference, decried the measure, writing in a memorandum of opposition lawmakers are neglecting other potential options.
"This legislation would have women to seek out potent drugs and obtain them after nothing more than a video call. The lack of accountability it promotes, especially when it comes to voiding medical malpractice, is dangerous," the group wrote. "The legislature needs to focus on true support for vulnerable women instead of breaking down safeguards on their quest to push abortion by any means necessary."
New York lawmakers over the last year have sought to shore up abortion laws in the state in the wake of last summer's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson as well as provide ways of making it easier for women in other states to obtain abortion services.
The state has sent money to service providers to bolster their facilities and strengthen security ahead of an expected increase in demand from women who travel here to receive an abortion.
The state Senate this week approved a pacakge of abortion and reprodcutive rights measures alongside a constitutional amendment meant to guarantee equal rights in New York. The proposed amendment is set to go before voters for final approval in 2024.