Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed Monday to guarantee a woman's right to choose once and for all in New York state by codifying the protections established by the 1973 Roe v. Wade into the state constitution.
This would guarantee the protections within New York if the decision is overturned or altered by a new U.S. Supreme Court.
"As Washington seeks to limit women's rights, we seek to protect them, and as they threaten reproductive rights, I propose a constitutional amendment to write Roe v. Wade into the New York State Constitution to prevent any attack on the right to choose," said Governor Cuomo. "We will not allow the progress of the women's movement to be stopped, and we must seize this opportunity to bring the state and the nation forward and stand up for women's health. Make no mistake, we will always protect the right to choose in New York."
The announcement was made at the "I Stand with Planned Parenthood" rally and Family Planning Advocates' Day of Action.
In the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy prior to fetal viability or throughout pregnancy when it is necessary to save her life or preserve her health.
Cuomo's proposals come just days after thousands marched on Washington for the annual March for Life.
Cheryl Calire is the Director of Pro Life activities for the Diocese of Buffalo. She participated in the march, and doesn't agree with Roe v. Wage or the Governor's proposal.
"It's concerning," she said. "New York State is literally already the abortion capital of the United States as far as accessibility ease of obtaining an abortion if someone would want one."
Cuomo's proposals come just days after thousands marched on Washington for the annual March for Life.
Cheryl Calire is the Director of Pro Life activities for the Diocese of Buffalo. She participated in the march, and doesn't agree with Roe v. Wage or the Governor's proposal.
"It's concerning," she said. "New York State is literally already the abortion capital of the United States as far as accessibility ease of obtaining an abortion if someone would want one."
"Let's put it on the ballot and let the people decide because we're still a democracy and New Yorkers want to protect a woman's right to choose," Cuomo said.