New York expands legal protections to shield medical professionals and patients seeking reproductive health care services

New York – In a decisive move to reinforce New York’s stance as a stronghold for reproductive rights, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that bolsters protections for health care providers and patients. The newly enacted law enhances shield law protections, allowing medical professionals to remove their names from prescription labels, further safeguarding their privacy and security.

The signing of this bill, known as Legislation S.4587/A.5285, comes amid increasing threats against abortion providers across the country. It builds upon a previous law that Governor Hochul signed earlier this year, which was prompted by the attempted extradition of a New York-based doctor by Louisiana officials for prescribing FDA-approved abortion medication through telehealth.

“New York State is standing up to anti-choice zealots who threaten the sanctity of women’s health care and the medical professionals who provide it,” Governor Hochul stated. “My message to anyone who attacks our civil liberties is simple — not here, not now, not ever.”

Strengthening Protections for Medical Providers

The new law ensures that health care professionals who provide reproductive services can request pharmacies to display only the address of their health care practice on prescription labels instead of their personal name. This measure is crucial in protecting providers from harassment, doxxing, and potential legal threats from states that have sought to penalize abortion providers even outside their jurisdictions.

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This legislation represents a significant step in fortifying New York’s existing shield laws, which already prevent state authorities from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to abortion services that are legally provided in New York.

Lawmakers Applaud the Move

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, one of the key sponsors of the bill, emphasized the necessity of these protections, given the national climate surrounding abortion rights.

“I am proud to sponsor legislation, alongside Assembly Member Karines Reyes, RN, to strengthen New York’s telehealth shield law and solidify New York’s role as a national leader in protecting abortion rights. New York’s brave doctors are taking significant personal risks to help women access reproductive care, and as red states pursue legal action against New York physicians performing within the scope of their practice, we must support these medical professionals,” said Senator Mayer. She also expressed her gratitude to Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Reyes, and other lawmakers who pushed the bill forward.

Assemblymember Karines Reyes echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of the measure for both providers and patients.

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“I applaud Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for enacting my bill to swiftly strengthen our state’s shield law for abortion telemedicine services. We must ensure that New York’s medical professionals, especially in smaller practices, are able to remove personal addresses from the prescription bottles that are given to women seeking reproductive and abortion care. This will allow all parties to focus on care for women and pregnant persons, and discourage violations of patient and provider privacy.”

A Response to Growing National Challenges

The necessity of this law is underscored by the growing hostility toward reproductive health care providers in several states. With the fall of Roe v. Wade, numerous states have enacted strict abortion bans, and some have attempted to criminalize providers beyond their state lines. By strengthening these protections, New York is sending a clear message that it will not allow outside interference in its reproductive health care services.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis emphasized the importance of ensuring reproductive care remains accessible, especially given the nationwide backlash against abortion rights.

“I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in strengthening protections for health care providers and patients. As Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity in the New York City Council, I know how essential it is to ensure reproductive care remains safe and accessible—especially as we face relentless attacks on our rights. We must continue to fortify these protections and stand firm against any efforts to undermine our bodily autonomy, and continually reinforce New York’s role as a sanctuary for reproductive freedom.”

Council Member Lynn Schumann, Chair of the New York City Council’s Health Committee, also praised the legislation, highlighting its importance in the face of increasing restrictions in other states.

“As Chair of the New York City Council’s Health Committee, I applaud Governor Hochul for taking decisive action to protect reproductive health care providers and patients in New York. At a time when extremists across the country are working to criminalize essential health care, this legislation reaffirms our state’s commitment to safeguarding providers and ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without fear. New York will always be a safe haven for reproductive freedom.”

Looking Forward

With this new law in place, New York continues to position itself as a national leader in reproductive rights, ensuring both patients and providers are shielded from hostile legal actions. Governor Hochul’s administration has consistently taken proactive steps to reinforce these rights, and the signing of this legislation is yet another testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting reproductive freedom.

As the fight for abortion rights rages on across the country, New York’s message remains clear: reproductive health care is a fundamental right, and those who provide and seek it deserve protection, dignity, and respect.