L4GG is thrilled to share some exciting news that will profoundly impact our community’s fight to protect our access to healthcare and bodily autonomy. Over the weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul signed two groundbreaking laws that significantly advance reproductive justice and the civil rights of transgender people in New York. This momentous achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of L4GG’s policy team and the collective support of advocates like you.

L4GG staff participated in significant advocacy efforts on both pieces of legislation. We worked with allies on the ground in New York and used our expertise in public health law and policy to ensure that the state grounded these new laws in strong constitutional, case law and statutory bases.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all New Yorkers. With her leadership, New York sets an inspiring example for the rest of the nation.

Now, let's delve into the key provisions of each law:

Law #1: Strengthening Access to Reproductive Health Care

• Enables New York providers to offer telehealth reproductive health care and medication abortion to patients in states with restrictive abortion laws.

• Shields doctors, providers, and facilitators from litigation in those states.

• Prevents professional discipline for delivering reproductive telehealth services to out-of-state patients.

• Expands protections for New York healthcare providers treating out-of-state patients.

"This moment is a resounding victory for reproductive justice and a necessary step forward in protecting healthcare providers and patients. Through L4GG's Reproductive Health Legal Assistance project, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges doctors face navigating the rapidly changing and complex landscape of reproductive healthcare laws. With the signing of these laws in New York, both doctors and their patients are getting the protection they deserve."

- Alyssa Morisson, L4GG's Reproductive Justice Staff Attorney

Law #2: Safeguarding Trans Rights and Promoting LGBTQ+ Equality

• Prohibits child removal based on gender-affirming care in custody cases.

• Restricts law enforcement cooperation on gender-affirming care performed in New York.

• Prevents subpoenas related to out-of-state proceedings on gender-affirming care.

• Ensures addiction services based on gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.

• Removes outdated and stigmatizing language from "sexual orientation" definition.

• Mandates gender-neutral terms in laws, rules, and resolutions.
  

"This law is a great first step and a meaningful signal that New York cares about its trans, non-binary, and intersex residents. It is constitutionally sound and incremental in its approach to reflect that these sorts of laws are untested and to protect people from harm while recommitting the state to our protection. We will continue to support New York advocates in their fight for the right to privacy and equitable healthcare for everyone in the state and help them achieve both rigorous and ambitious wins that center the needs of trans people. As cultural leaders and the originators of Pride throughout history, trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender nonconforming people have made this state great and belong here, now and always." 

- Khadijah Silver, L4GG Civil Rights Supervising Attorney

These achievements reinforce the urgency of L4GG's mission and underscore the vital role of good government in achieving meaningful change. This is just the beginning of the road – states and cities across the country are requesting L4GG’s help to ensure they are offering their residents the strongest protections possible, while remaining within the bounds of the law. It reinforces the urgency of L4GG's mission and underscores the vital role of good government in achieving meaningful change.

If you would like more frequent updates on the state of bodily autonomy laws in the country, subscribe to our bi-weekly Reproductive Health Digest, which highlights major changes in reproductive health laws across 56 states and territories.

L4GG extends its deepest gratitude to all those who have supported our crucial work. Together, we stand united in our commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and autonomy of all individuals in our community.