BOL Approves Reproductive Health Care Facilities Access Act.
On Monday, the Board of Legislators voted to approve a law ensuring safe access to reproductive health care facilities. The measure passed by a 15 – 2 vote. Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the act into law immediately after its approval by the Board of Legislators.
The new law, which takes effect immediately, will protect health care workers and patients seeking medical treatment from being obstructed from entering or exiting a reproductive health care facility and from harassing behavior from persons within specific distances of the premises. It enacts a 25-foot no-harassment zone around the facility's perimeter and establishes the designation of an 8-foot personal space bubble surrounding the person within 100 feet of the facility.
As the nation reels from the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, the need to codify stronger anti-harassment legislation for reproductive health patients, providers, and staff while preserving the free speech of legitimate protestors is more critical now than ever. When it goes into effect, the decision will likely result in an increase of out-of-state residents seeking reproductive health care and, conversely, an increase in anti-choice protesting.
The road to getting this act passed was very long and arduous. However, it’s led us to a strong, well-balanced piece of legislation that safeguards the rights of patients to receive their care without infringing on protected free speech. I am more than happy to finally see that hard work come to fruition. I thank our County Executive George Latimer for his unwavering support and understanding that this bill could not wait another minute without being signed.
Read the legislation at: https://bit.ly/3bjScYb
View video of singing at: https://bit.ly/3A5NJmt
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