New York lawmakers move to enshrine abortion rights in state constitution

The New York State Legislature on Friday passed a constitutional amendment that, if fully enacted, would enshrine the right to an abortion and contraception access in the state constitution.

The amendment’s passage Friday is the first step toward adding the language to the New York Constitution. Lawmakers will need to vote again to pass the amendment in the next legislative session next year and then voters must vote to pass it in a referendum before it can take effect.

The amendment language specifically names protection for rights related to pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health care and autonomy.

It reads in part, “No