Antiquated language in the state’s abortion law bans the procedure after
24 weeks of pregnancy unless the woman’s life is at risk. Federal
rulings also require an exception to protect a woman’s health. Mr.
Cuomo’s proposal would bring New York into line with those standards.
This is important because complications severely affecting a woman’s
health often arise later in pregnancy. Although New York’s law cannot be
enforced because it is superseded by federal law, as a practical
matter, some New York doctors fear prosecution and, as a result, some
women are forced to leave the state to get the care they need. Mr.
Cuomo’s proposal is a crucial move at a crucial time. A strong law would
help inoculate New York’s abortion laws against future watering down of
reproductive rights at the federal level.
This is an editorial in the New York Times. Tom
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