Transcript: Mayor Adams Signs Legislation Guaranteeing Access to Safe, Affordable Abortion in New York City

August 12, 2022

Mayor Eric Adams: Good morning, good morning. It's good to see you all. And it's always good to be here at Kings County Hospital, amazing hospital trauma center place. Even as a police officer, I recall responding and saw the service for those who were the victims of criminal accidents or just normal accidents in healthcare crises. This hospital is the foundation of our healthcare center here in Central Brooklyn. I thank them for the work that they are doing, and I really thank them for helping us navigate through COVID during the most difficult and challenging times. Watching the trailer full of our loved ones that sat outside our hospitals, the staffs, nurses, doctors, administrators, just coming in everyday and navigating their own personal crises just to be here for New Yorkers.

Mayor Adams: So to the staff that's here, I just want to say thank you. Thank you. Not only as the mayor, but as the borough president, this was clearly my favorite hospital and team. And so we're here for an important announcement and an important series — set of bills. New York City has always been a place where one sought freedom and autonomy and choice, particularly the choice of deciding how you were going to have the relationship between your medical doctor, as well as your body, and the right to control your body and your life. This is something that we find dear here in New York City. Particularly around reproductive rights, Kings County has a significant place in this history.

Mayor Adams: In the 70 and early 80s, they were one of the few healthcare facilities that offered abortion past 12 weeks of gestation. They understand clearly that a woman's right to choose is something that is at the center of our healthcare system. And we are reminded every day that abortion is healthcare. You can't separate the two, and we are here to defend the right to abortion for all women in this city, and in this country. On June 24th, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade effectively ended the federal guarantee of reproductive freedom. This was a direct attack on women in this country. And we as New Yorkers are not going to sit back and allow this to happen without responding in a very aggressive manner.

Mayor Adams: Due to that decision, young women who come of age with fewer rights than their parents — this is a decision about controlling people's bodies. Well, New York City is saying no to that. We are not going to let activist court undermine 50 years of settled law and personal freedom by overturning Roe versus Wade. In that one week time, we saw the court in that conflicting ruling take away the rights of women and endanger our city by the Right to Carry law. Both are devastating for our country. This is why we are here today. We're not leaving our sisters behind. Safe, legal abortions are cornerstones of public health. And in New York City, they always will be. And we will always support those coming here to access these rights.

Mayor Adams: This city is a city that's sending a loud and clear message across the country. If your states do not respect your rights, New Yorkers will. This is our moment, New York, and we are going to meet it head on. New York City is leading the nation. The six bills I signed today ensure that reproductive rights and freedoms are protected under New York City law. These bills will work to inform the public of their rights in New York and ensure the safety and security of these rights. They will enable health clinics to provide abortion pills for free, prohibit the use of city resources to enforce abortion restrictions, and allow civil lawsuits against entities interfering with medical care. Personal healthcare decisions should be left to patients, families, and doctors.

Mayor Adams: These decisions are our rights and our rights alone, not governments' rights. These bills will ensure it remains that way. And so I want to thank the Speaker of the [Council] Adrienne Adams, Council Member Tiffany Caban, Council Member Hanif, and Council Member Carlina Rivera for helping us get this done. I was told that Council Member Caban's mom may be here, if she is, I'm sure you're proud. I'm a mommy's boy, so you know I love mommies. I also want to thank the tireless advocates, doctors, and nurses who continue to support New Yorkers and those from other states.

Mayor Adams: And today I say boldly and strongly, New York City is a beacon of rights and freedom. We are the social conscience of this nation and no activist court and clear political agenda is going to change that. Reproductive rights and freedoms and abortion would always be protected in the city we call New York — America's city. Now, I'm turning over to the speaker of the City Council, Speaker Adrienne Adams.

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Mayor Adams: Thank you so much, speaker. And I want to thank the leadership team of my office. First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo, Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. Am I missing any staff? Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor Joshi. Who am I missing, team? My powerful five women, deputy mayors. So I too agree, women lead, especially in City Hall. Thank you.