Westchester County Legislators Approve Reproductive Health Care Facilities Access Act
With the news of the Roe v. Wade reversal making waves throughout the country, the Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Monday to approve a law called the Reproductive Health Care Facilities Access Act.
This new law, passed by a 15-2 vote, ensures that women and staff members throughout the County have safe access to reproductive health care facilities. It was signed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer and immediately takes effect.
What does Reproductive Health Care Facilities Access Act protect?
The Act protects health care workers and patients seeking medical treatment where they will not be prevented or obstructed from entering or exiting a reproductive health care facility. This also includes a no-harassment zone within 25-feet of the reproductive health care facility, which is critical for reproductive health patients, providers, and staff to enter and leave a space. It also establishes an 8-foot personal space bubble, which surrounds the individual within 100-feet of the facility.
Chairwoman Catherine Borgia noted, “Women will be looking to New York for sanctuary to reclaim their bodily autonomy, and we want to say Westchester is ready. Any person who travels to our County seeking reproductive care can access it safely without intimidation or provocation. I hope other counties can see the urgency and importance of this law and consider it for their jurisdictions, as well.”
Read the complete act here.
Learn more about the impact of Roe v. Wade for New York women.
