Paulin Issues Statement on the Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade

(Published on January 22, 2025)

Today is the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, which gave women a federal Constitutional right to an abortion. January 22nd now stands as a day of both celebration and loss.

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe. This gave states total leeway to restrict abortion or prohibit it all together. Many states have followed suit, and currently abortion is banned in almost all circumstances in twelve states. It is limited to the first six weeks in four more.

Even where bans are not in place, we are seeing areas in states becoming abortion deserts, where care is simply unavailable. Women living in abortion deserts, or where abortion is illegal, are being forced to travel to receive care, which is resulting in many women simply being unable to access abortion for financial and logistical reasons.

There are also movements to restrict access to birth control, and to hold women and doctors liable for abortions received and performed in states where it is legal. In New York we are fighting this with new laws and bills that protect abortion providers.

I am proud that abortion is legal in New York State, and has been since 1970. In fact, thanks to New York voters, the right to an abortion has been enshrined in the New York State constitution. In New York we believe that a woman should have control over her body and the right to choose what happens to it.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to defending a woman’s right to full reproductive care, and I will continue working to defend that right.