The Governors, united in their commitment to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom, have filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court in the case of Food and Drug Administration, et al., v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.
The central argument is that upholding the Fifth Circuit decision on abortion medication could jeopardize states' rights to provide comprehensive healthcare services and challenge the scientific authority of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Fifth Circuit's decision, specifically limiting the use of mifepristone, a safe and effective abortion medication with two decades of successful use, has prompted swift action from Governor Hochul and other Alliance members. Governor Hochul expressed concern that allowing this decision to stand could lead to far-reaching implications affecting both residents and the scientific foundation of the FDA.
The Significance of Mifepristone:
Mifepristone, used by over five million people since FDA approval, plays a crucial role in reproductive healthcare. The recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit is unprecedented, overriding the FDA's evidence-based scientific approval process. This decision allows ideological extremists to bypass medical experts and dismiss decades of established scientific evidence, posing a threat to the accessibility of safe and effective abortion care.
Governor Hochul's Commitment to Abortion Access:
Governor Hochul, at the forefront of protecting abortion access in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, has led New York State in implementing measures to secure reproductive healthcare rights. The Governor allocated a nation-leading $35 million investment to support abortion providers across the state and purchased a five-year supply of misoprostol.
Additionally, Governor Hochul signed laws to protect patients and providers and strengthen access to abortion care through telehealth services. As part of the FY2024 budget, she allocated $100.7 million in new funding to support abortion providers and reproductive healthcare. In response to potential challenges to mifepristone availability, Governor Hochul has committed up to an additional $20 million to support access to alternative methods of care.
Reproductive Freedom Alliance:
The Reproductive Freedom Alliance, consisting of 22 Governors, including Governor Hochul, operates as a non-partisan coalition dedicated to safeguarding and expanding reproductive freedom. The alliance includes leaders from diverse states such as California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and Washington, all working together to protect the rights of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare services.
Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to reproductive healthcare rights and her active involvement in the Reproductive Freedom Alliance underline the importance of standing united against attempts to restrict access to safe and essential healthcare services. As the Supreme Court deliberates on the case, the collective voice of these Governors emphasizes the need to prioritize evidence-based scientific processes and protect the rights of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare across the nation.
