Contraception will be made available to walk-in patients at New York pharmacies, following an order signed Tuesday morning by state Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald.

McDonald and Gov. Kathy Hochul appeared at Albany College of Pharmacy's College Parkside Pharmacy on Tuesday for the signing.

"Reproductive rights continue to be under attack from Washington to state houses," Hochul said, "and this is another way to reaffirm our commitment to make sure that women in the state of New York have all these rights to reproductive freedom, as well as access to contraception so they can make their own decisions about their bodies."

Hochul said that birth control is "essential health care — full stop," and added that the order also ensured that birth control would be available to deal with other women's health issues such as endometriosis.

The governor said the state faced a "turning point" after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and said the decision was "just the beginning."

"I want to make sure New York remains a sanctuary for all levels of care for women," Hochul said.

McDonald said Tuesday that three forms of contraception will be available, covered by health insurance: an oral hormonal pill, a vaginal ring or a contraceptive patch. Up to a year's supply, he said, will be available.

The governor had previously signed legislation last year to expand reproductive health care access across New York, making contraception available over the counter and ensuring abortion medication access to SUNY and CUNY studentce.