Understanding Shield Laws in New York: Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Providers and Patients
As states across the country enact increasingly restrictive abortion laws, New York has positioned itself as a stronghold for reproductive rights by implementing legal protections for abortion providers, patients, and those who assist them. These protections, known as shield laws, are crucial tools that safeguard individuals and institutions involved in providing and accessing reproductive healthcare.
Mifepristone Supreme Court Ruling
The latest attempt to restrict access to Mifepristone, one of two drugs used for medication abortion, has been squashed by the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision. The court determined that the doctors who brought this case did not have legal standing or connection to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to challenge the drug’s approval. Medication abortion accounts for over 60% of abortions in the U.S. This ruling is a victory for women’s reproductive rights, but there are greater challenges to come.