Abortion Rights Are Protected in New York State
Abortion has been legal under New York State law since 1970 – three years before the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion throughout the country. Because the right is codified in New York State law, federal decisions to limit access to abortion will not impact New York State.
As abortion rights are under attack in certain states and at the federal level, Governor Kathy Hochul is fighting to preserve and strengthen these rights in New York State. Our state will ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for all who need it.
On April 7, 2023, two federal courts released rulings regarding Mifepristone, a component of the medication abortion regimen. Medication abortion remains safe and available in New York State.
In November 2024, voters approved Proposition One, an amendment to the New York Constitution that protects abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare. The approved amendment establishes constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex—including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy. These protections are in addition to explicit protections against racial and religious discrimination that were already included in New York’s Constitution.
The amendment went into effect on January 1, 2025.
I have three messages regarding the persistent assault on women's rights, and a woman's right to determine and make her own decisions about her own body. And they are simple messages: Not here. Not now. Not ever.
SAFE ABORTION ACCESS FOR ALL IN NEW YORK STATE
- Abortion access is available for New Yorkers and for those coming from outside of New York State. You do not have to be a New York State resident to receive care here.
- Medication abortion and in-clinic abortion is available in New York State. You can speak to a provider about your options, and your privacy will be protected every step of the way.
- In New York, you can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, you can still get an abortion if your health or pregnancy is at risk.
You Have Choices in New York State Reproductive Health Services
Safe Abortion Access for All
Think You Might be Pregnant?
Protecting & Strengthening Abortion Rights
Affirming NY’s Status as a Safe Haven for Reproductive Health
Governor Hochul signed legislation to enable providers who prescribe meds for abortions to request a dispensing pharmacy print their practice's name.
Protecting Access to Abortion Medication Mifepristone
Governor Hochul joined fellow Governors of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance in filing an amicus curiae brief with the High Court.
Ensuring Abortion Remains Safe, Accessible & Legal in NYS
Governor Hochul highlighted steps to protect access to abortion care, including medication abortion, following a federal court ruling.