This year would have marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion.

More than seven months ago, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade leading to abortion bans or restrictions in 18 states, according to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. And the organization says low-income and women of color are among the most impacted by the overturning of Roe.

Aura Lopez Zarate came to New York from Mexico at the age of nine. That’s why she wants to make sure the immigrant community has access to abortion care, if they need it. Her work as a lead organizer for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York pushes her every day to show up.

“My community, just growing up in Newburgh, and really wanting everyone to have bodily autonomy,” Lopez Zarate said. “Especially we’re living in the times right now.”

Lopez Zarate says she’s grown more tired since the reversal of Roe but remains steadfast in her beliefs.

What You Need To Know

  • Planned Parenthood of Greater New York traveled to Albany recently to ensure passage of the "Equal Rights Amendment," which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution; it is now up to voters to decide on next year

  • Aura Lopez Zarate, Newburgh-based organizing manager for Planned Parenthood, wants to protect abortion access in NY for immigrant community and people coming from out-of-state for abortion care

  • The Society of Family Planning says New York saw an uptick in the number of abortions post-Roe

  • Abortion bans or restrictions continue in 18 states with low-income and women of color most impacted by overturning of Roe, according to Planned Parenthood

She believes access to abortion is a human right. She, as an organizing manager, and other abortion-rights supporters recently traveled to the state’s Capitol for their annual “Day of Action.” They pushed state lawmakers to pass the “Equal Rights Amendment,” which will now be up to voters to decide on next year.

“This is going to ensure that abortion rights is in our state constitution, so that is the reason why we’re pushing really hard for it, alongside with other protections,” Lopez Zarate said. “In the future, we wouldn’t have to worry if we have lawmakers that don’t support abortion rights.”

Abortions in New York state continue to be safe, legal and accessible. Abortions are banned or restricted in 18 states across the U.S.

The Society of Family Planning says New York saw an uptick in the number of abortions post-Roe. Nearly 1,000 more abortions were performed two months after the Supreme Court struck down Roe compared to two months before the decision. This, likely due to people coming from out-of-state for their abortion care.

“The fight is not over in ensuring that we are doing as much as we can here in New York state. To ensure that we are expanding access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health needs,” Lopez Zarate said. “For here, community members, but also for folks who are forced to leave their homes and come to the state.”

Lopez Zarate says what keeps her up at night: knowing there are women living in states where abortion is banned.

“It’s heavy on me, but it also pushes me to continue to do this work,” she said.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York has increased staffing and appointment times at their health centers to accommodate more women, especially those from out-of-state, seeking abortion care. Now that the “Equal Rights Amendment” has passed, Lopez Zarate will focus her efforts on making sure community members know what’s on the ballot in 2024 by door-knocking, hosting educational events and canvassing across the Hudson Valley.

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