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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — In the wake of the Texas court decision to overturn a 23-year-old FDA approval of Mifepristone, a primary medicine used in abortion and miscarriage care, Gov. Kathy Hochul stockpiles 150,000 doses of Misoprostol–a nearly five year supply.
“Last year, the attacks were on abortion procedures. This year, medication abortion. What’s next? Contraception? Birth control? Well, I’m here to say, ‘Not New York. Not now, not ever,'” Hochul said.
And other state leaders are also taking steps to further protect abortion medications. Earlier this week, New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed an amicus brief–a petition to the fifth circuit of the United States Court of Appeals–urging a halt of the Texas courts ruling.
“Safeguarding access to medication abortion is a top priority for my office and that means that for now approval for Mifepristone remains protected and abortion remains protected in the state of New York,” James said.
Some state lawmakers said the Texas ruling could be used to gain moral high ground.
“All of this just ends up being an opportunity for grand standing and virtue signaling on the part of the far left in New York,” said Sen. George Borrello (R-57th Senate District).
While other lawmakers said the state needs to do everything it can to protect reproductive health.
“I am continuously enraged by the attacks across our country on our bodily autonomy. As these right-wing assaults on reproductive justice continue so must our resistance to them,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Assembly District 34).
Gov. Hochul said if this court decision stands, she will dedicate up to $20 million to extend further support of reproductive healthcare providers.
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