Securing Access to Contraception in New York
After five years of NIRH’s advocacy, public education efforts and deep work with legislators, the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (CCCA) became law in 2019. The CCCA ensures that all New Yorkers have access to the contraception that is right for them at no cost.
Following years of grassroots organizing, the 2018 election delivered a pro-choice majority in the New York State Senate, and a mandate for passing the CCCA. The CCCA, which was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in early 2019, guarantees insurance coverage without a co-pay, allows individuals to obtain up to a year’s worth of contraception at a time, covers male contraceptive methods, and increases access to emergency contraception. The widespread grassroots enthusiasm for the CCCA reflects New Yorkers’ understanding that women’s equal participation in our society and our economic stability depend on access to contraception that enables us to determine whether and when to have children.
The CCCA builds on the existing state and federal law, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their birth control options, improving their chances of consistent use, and lowering rates of unintended pregnancy in New York state. On the 46th Anniversary of Roe v Wade, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Reproductive Health Act, the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, and the Boss Bill after both the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate easily passed the trifecta. The enactment of these laws marks an important step forward for New York State and sets a precedent for others around the country seeking to advance proactive legislation.
“Regardless of what happens at the federal level, states have tremendous power to shape their own state laws and can act now to protect women from the full-blown assault on their reproductive health and rights. The best defense against a hostile Supreme Court is a strong state-level offense. States around the country should take note of this action and help lead the movement for reproductive freedom from the ground up.” – Andrea Miller