On April 2, 2019, the Putnam County Legislature passed a resolution urging the repeal of provisions of New York’s Reproductive Health Act (RHA). The resolution calls upon members of the State Legislature to “introduce and support statewide legislation restoring the protections for unborn children formerly contained in the New York Penal Law and the New York Public Health Law that were repealed by the RHA.” It also calls upon Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign such legislation into law. The resolution was passed by an 8-1 vote.
Republican District Legislators William J. Gouldman, Toni E. Addonizio, Ginny Nacerino Carl L. Albano, Paul Jonke, Joseph F. Castellano, Amy Sayegh and Neal Sullivan all stood with their pro-life constituents. Democrat Legislator Nancy Montgomery was the lone legislator to oppose the measure.
The Putnam County Legislature displayed leadership and bravery in passing the resolution, which expresses ‘firm opposition’ to provisions of the Reproductive Health Act. The resolution lays out a strong and compelling case against the RHA based upon concern for women’s health and well-being and the health and well-being of unborn children. Furthermore, the resolution debunks the inaccurate and dishonest messaging that was used to promote the RHA.
New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms thanks the Putnam County Legislature for taking this action. We, too, call upon members of the State Legislature to introduce legislation repealing the damaging provisions of the Reproductive Health Act. We also encourage other county legislatures across New York to follow the Putnam County Legislature’s example by passing similar resolutions.