This November, New Yorkers will vote on Prop 1, a ballot measure that would add the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the New York State Constitution and protect abortion rights in New York State. Constitutional protection of abortion rights in New York is more critical than ever, as the right to abortion is under unprecedented attack across the country.
When the New York Legislature passed the ERA, it was explicit that the ERA would enshrine the right to abortion in the New York State Constitution. The Legislature was required to pass the ERA twice for it to be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
Because the right to abortion is central to a pregnant person’s equality, this amendment clarifies that any action that discriminates against a person based on their pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, reproductive health care, or reproductive autonomy is sex-based discrimination in their civil rights that would be explicitly prohibited by the state constitution.