Dear New Yorker,
As many of you know, this past week marked the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Despite great advances in women's equality over the years, many states continue to challenge and chip away at a woman's right to choose.
Thankfully, here in New York State, we have a courageous governor who has rightfully acted in the opposite direction, clearly stating that we must do whatever we can to protect a woman's right to choose.
Last week, I joined Council Members Brad Lander and Tish James, along with NARAL Pro-Choice NY President Andrea Miller and volunteers from Planned Parenthood of NYC, NOW-NYC and the New York Abortion Access Fund, to remind New Yorkers of this important date in history and all that's at stake (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/553046_10151160086807434_1068449306_n.jpg).
During his State of the State speech, Governor Cuomo proposed the Women's Equality Agenda. This legislation would codify Roe v. Wade into NYS law, thereby protecting New Yorkers and ensuring that women are treated as equals, even if Roe is overturned at the federal level. A woman and her doctor – not politicians – have the fundamental right to make private medical decisions.
We wholeheartedly support the plans of the Governor and the Act's state sponsors, Assembly Member Deborah Glick and State Senator Andrea Stuart-Cousins, all of whom have been working tirelessly to protect a woman's right to choose in New York State.
If you would like to share your support for the Women's Equality Agenda, please visit the City Council's Action Center at http://www.council.nyc.gov/html/action/rhapetition.shtml.
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Protest actions right here in New York City at reproductive healthcare facilities have been growing more divisive and intrusive over the past year.
Protestors have every right to voice their opinions and beliefs, but we want to make sure that exercising one's First Amendment rights doesn't interfere with or prevent someone from accessing important medical care.
My office is committed to ensuring that all women in New York have access to reproductive healthcare, including safe, legal abortions.
That's why we announced the NYC Council Clinic Protection Project this fall to begin training volunteers to accompany women when they visit these facilities. Having such a program in place will help ensure that women can safely access available healthcare services here in our city. Training will be led by Planned Parenthood of New York City and the New York Civil Liberties Union and will teach conflict de-escalation techniques, as well as ensure that volunteers are familiar with the governing federal, state and local laws. We will be at clinics every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am, starting on February 9th.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended our first training this past Thursday.
Our next training session will be held this Saturday, February 2nd, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Hotel Trades Council, located at 305 West 44th Street in Manhattan.
If you would like to become a volunteer, please RSVP directly to events@council.nyc.gov or by telephone at 212-442-1649.
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It's been an exciting week for women federally, too.
I was so proud to hear that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was making real progress towards equality by allowing women to officially serve in combat.
The Violence Against Women Act was also reintroduced after GOP leaders allowed it to expire last term. This vital legislation seeks to protect all victims of violence, including students, racial minorities, tribal members, immigrants and members of the LGBT community.
Finally, I was tremendously proud and honored to have been in Washington to witness the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. His words should serve to guide us all in the coming years:
We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.
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There's no time more critical than now to demonstrate our steadfast support for women's equality and their right to choose. Many of you have been fearless and dedicated supporters in this fight, and I look forward to working with you to help make sure our city and state continue to lead the way.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council