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Lawmakers propose fund to help cover abortion access and expenses

Jan 23, 2020 12:45 pm
Denis Slattery is reporting for the New York Daily News two state lawmakers have announced a proposal to create a public fund to give New Yorkers the ability to cover their abortion care expenses. Bronx Democrats, Sen. Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Karines Reyes unveiled the measure on January 22, the 47th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. Under their proposal, individual New York taxpayers would be able to voluntarily contribute to the fund on their personal income tax returns. The funds would go to support organizations that provide assistance to those facing barriers accessing abortion care. “It’s not enough to have a right to an abortion in name if you do not have the resources to access it,” Biaggi said. “Far too many low-income New Yorkers, young people, and people of color face financial and logistical barriers to accessing abortion care, and are unable to exercise their right to choose.” During the previous legislative session, state lawmakers passed the Reproductive Health Act, codifying the abortion rights affirmed in the Roe decision into New York law. Last year, New York City made history when it allocated $250,000 of the city’s 2020 budget to the New York Abortion Access Fund. That non-profit fund provides support to patients with limited resources. Read the full story in the Daily News.