A Proposition on New York Ballots Could Safeguard Abortion Rights

This election cycle, voters will see a new proposition, Prop 1, on their ballots. This proposition, called the New York Equal Rights Amendment, will update the state’s previous constitutional language to prevent discrimination. While the state’s current protections include “race, color, creed [and] religion,” the updates from Prop 1 would include: “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex — including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive health care and autonomy.” Many support this measure in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade’s overturning, wanting to ensure New Yorkers have adequate and available reproductive care, including abortions. A Sienna College poll showed that 69% of voters supported the proposition, while 22% opposed it. Many New York Republican officials have spoken out against the proposal, arguing that it could be interpreted to grant constitutional rights to undocumented immigrants. Voters can see the full proposition on their ballots in order to make an informed decision come election day.