Hochul commits $35M to expand abortion provider services, security

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday committed $35 million in state funds for abortion providers to expand their services and to bolster security at clinics where abortions are provided.

Hochul said the funding comes from an emergency health care fund and is intended to create more and bigger clinics to handle a potential influx of women from out of state following a leaked draft opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court that could lead to overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal nationwide. Several states mostly in the South and Midwest have laws and proposals that would ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns the landmark 1973 decision.

“We will defend that right to have an abortion with the full strength of New York State government,” Hochul said Tuesday. “We have to make sure the providers have the resources and capacity.”

Hochul said the money will be paid in grants and in reimbursed spending by clinics. It can be used to create new abortion clinics, particularly in rural areas that are underserved. Security grants will help clinics erect cameras and take other precautions to protect women, staff and physicians, she said.

“We want to have this all in place by the time the Supreme Court decision is rendered,” Hochul said.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in coming weeks on a case about the states’ ability to limit abortions. The draft opinion that was leaked last week argued for overturning Roe v. Wade. That, in effect, would allow states to ban abortion.

Meanwhile, most Republicans say Hochul and the Democrats who have supermajorities in the Assembly and Senate are using the issue to distract voters from failures on other issues this election year.

“When an administration is dealing with corruption, when the economy is struggling, when people can’t walk down the street safely, when families can’t afford gasoline or groceries — they desperately needed to change the topic,” said Assembly Republican leader Will Barclay of Pulaski.

On Monday, State Attorney General Letitia James and several legislators proposed that the state provide $50 million to help women from out of state get abortions through New York providers either in person or by telehealth remote visits. The FDA has approved abortion pills that can be mailed to patients with a prescription.

Hochul again said she supports a constitutional amendment to further protect abortion rights in New York State. The State Legislature is also considering about 20 measures to protect New York providers of abortions and women seeking abortions from other states. A major package of bills is expected to be passed before the scheduled end of the legislative session on June 2.

One of the prime sponsors of those bills, State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), said the $35 million fund “is probably a down payment” and more funding might be needed. She said that if other states restrict or ban abortion, women of color and those with low incomes will be hit the hardest.

Michelle Casey, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, said Tuesday the aid is critical for those who aren’t wealthy enough to travel for the procedure.

“Getting access to this care shouldn’t depend on the color of your skin, your income or what ZIP code you live in — now it does,” Casey said.

Hochul said her Abortion Services Provider Fund is necessary even though the U.S. Supreme Court hasn’t yet made its decision on abortion. She said the expanded services are needed now so that all women statewide and from other states can turn to New York for abortions if necessary.

“I consider this an emergency and I will make sure this money is available as soon as the decision comes down,” Hochul said.

“We will keep playing offense and we will do whatever it takes to defend the rights of not just New York women, but women all across the nation,” Hochul said. “Don’t mess with the state of New York … we are ready.”

By Michael Gormley

michael.gormley@newsday.com@GormleyAlbany

Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.