Statement from Assemblymember Seawright on leaked Roe V. Wade Decision

The reported leaked draft opinion indicating that the United States Supreme Court already voted to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade assuring women everywhere of their reproductive rights is deeply distressing.  Although the final ruling is not expected until sometime in June, the draft signals the termination of the historic guarantee that a woman's right to choose will be respected throughout the nation. Instead reproductive rights will be left to the states, where harsh restrictions have already been enacted in many instances.  This falls heaviest on poor women and families and people of color who do not have access to adequate and affordable health care. Thankfully, here in New York State, reproductive rights have already been codified in statute.  This is no substitute, however, for national recognition of a woman's right to choose. We call upon the United States Supreme Court to reverse their misguided draft ruling before it is too late.    Sincerely, Rebecca A. Seawright  Member of Assembly 76th AD