AG James today celebrated the signing of landmark legislation that significantly strengthens New York’s shield law protections for patients and providers of abortion and gender-affirming care. The new law, Strengthening Legal Protections for Gender-Affirming Care & Reproductive Health Care, expands and fortifies safeguards against efforts to investigate, punish, or penalize individuals providing or receiving legal health care in New York. Sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, the legislation was developed in close partnership with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), health care providers, and advocates to address mounting threats to privacy and patient safety. The protections are especially important as hostile states, and the federal government increasingly attempt to criminalize or restrict access to essential health care across state lines.  

“Across the country, extremists are trying to roll back our rights and criminalize care, but New York is stepping up. With this update, our shield law becomes the gold standard, offering the strongest protections possible for providers, patients, and their support networks. We will not allow other states to dictate what happens in our exam rooms or our courtrooms. If you come to New York for care, we will have your back. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this critical legislation protecting New Yorkers’ fundamental rights and personal privacy.” – AG James