New York, NY — Nov. 7, 2024 The National Organization for Women – New York City (NOW-NYC) is proud to celebrate New York’s monumental decision to pass Proposal 1 (“Prop 1”), the state’s Equal Rights Amendment (“ERA”), that was overwhelmingly supported by voters on November 5th. With this victory, New York becomes a leader in enshrining protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexuality, pregnancy, and reproductive healthcare.

The passage of Prop 1 offers New Yorkers a constitutional shield for equality and justice. Importantly, this measure cements the right to abortion and reproductive healthcare in New York’s constitution. With a conservative federal administration set to take office in January under President-elect Trump, the threat of a nationwide abortion ban looms large. New Yorkers have delivered a powerful message, affirming that reproductive rights are fundamental and essential to achieving equality.

“New Yorkers made history by taking a stand for women’s right to abortion,” said Sonia Ossorio, Executive Director of NOW-NYC. “New York has boldly taken a step forward to protect the most personal of decisions without government interference and—to protect marginalized people who are at greater risk of losing rights under a Trump administration.”

Six other states joined New York in passing constitutional measures to protect abortion rights, including Missouri, where voters enshrined these rights despite living under a near-total abortion ban since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. Until now, Missouri allowed abortion only in medical emergencies, with no exceptions for rape or incest. This amendment secures the right to make personal reproductive health decisions, a vital win in a country where millions still remain under abortion bans.

NOW-NYC is committed to leveraging this new ERA to defend and expand protections for women and marginalized communities in New York. With state-level constitutional protections now in place, we are prepared to hold the line against discriminatory and oppressive policies that threaten equality and justice.