Strengthen Reproductive Freedom by Investing in Providers and Protecting Them from Out-Of-State Prosecution

Governor Proposes Designating Harriet Tubman As One Of New York’s Representatives in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall

Build Stronger Relationships With Indigenous Nations through Collaboration and Representation

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new initiatives to safeguard and strengthen reproductive rights and cultural representation as part of her 2025 State of the State. This includes continuing New York’s leadership as a safe harbor for reproductive care and designating Harriet Tubman as one of New York’s representatives in the United States Capitol’s Statuary Hall.

“New York is the home of every major movement in our nation’s history — the fight for women’s rights, labor rights, environmental protections and more,” Governor Hochul said. “From Seneca Falls to Stonewall, New Yorkers have always been on the vanguard of movements for social change. I’m committed to continuing this leadership now into the future.”

Protecting Reproductive Rights and Access to Abortion

Sustain the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Fund

The Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Fund was created by Governor Hochul in May 2022 to enhance abortion access and was codified in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget. This initiative addresses the need for expanded reproductive healthcare services in New York. The fund has supported reproductive health providers and critical support programs to ensure equitable access to abortion care across the state.This year, Governor Hochul will distribute $25 million in funding for the program, with a focus on strengthening access to comprehensive reproductive care for all New Yorkers.

Fairly Reimburse Providers for Abortion Services

For many years, reproductive health providers have not received funding that is adequate to cover the full costs of medication abortion care and other abortion services. As a result, too many providers have been under immense financial pressures while trying to accomplish their mission of providing safe and accessible abortion care to individuals across the state. Governor Hochul will provide a new flexible funding stream of $20 million to allow providers to better adapt to this possible impact of the incoming federal administration and ensure that these providers are fairly reimbursed for providing abortions.

Strengthen Reproductive Healthcare Infrastructure

Many reproductive healthcare facilities in New York are in need of critical infrastructure updates in order to provide the full range of comprehensive services. Building on New York's investment in reproductive health providers through the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Fund and security grant funding, Governor Hochul will expand the funding to support critical capital investments for providers. These funds will enable renovations, equipment upgrades, planning, and construction to help facilities modernize and secure their operations. This action aims to ensure a broader network of providers can deliver high-quality reproductive health care to all New Yorkers.

Safeguard Abortion as Emergency Medical Care

The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates that hospitals provide stabilizing care for patients with emergency medical conditions, regardless of their ability to pay. However, abortion is not explicitly defined as emergency medical care under New York law. Governor Hochul has prioritized protecting reproductive rights and ensuring equitable access to care. To address this gap, she will codify abortion as protected emergency medical care in New York State and require hospitals to provide this stabilizing emergency medical care, reinforcing access to abortion services when medically necessary.

Protect the Identity of Medication Abortion Prescribers

Medical providers in New York who prescribe medication abortion to patients in anti-abortion states face risks if their identities are disclosed. Currently, prescription labels include the provider’s name, which can expose them to potential harassment or harm. To address this, Governor Hochul will introduce legislation to allow prescription labels to avoid displaying the provider's name, protecting the identities of these providers. This change will ensure that providers can continue offering essential care to patients in states with restrictive anti-choice laws without fear of exposure. Records will still be maintained to trace providers in cases of misuse or abuse, balancing privacy and accountability.

Celebrating More Than 400 Years Of African American History In New York

Designate Harriett Tubman as New York’s Contribution to National Statuary Hall

New York has the opportunity to honor Harriet Tubman, a symbol of courage, liberation, and equality, by beginning the process to install a statue of her in the United States Capitol’s National Statuary Hall. Tubman’s history is deeply connected to New York, where she lived and worked to advance freedom and justice, making her an ideal representative of the state’s values. To achieve this, Governor Hochul will work with the Legislature to pass a resolution to fund the design, construction, and transportation of the statue. This effort will bring greater recognition to women’s contributions to history and align with broader movements for equal representation.

Establish Fellowship to Celebrate and Advance African American History

The contributions of African Americans to New York’s history are significant but often underrecognized. In 2022, Governor Hochul signed Executive Order 15 to establish the New York State Commission on African American History, which in 2024 issued recommendations for investing in African American culture, education, arts, and economic advancement.

To build on these efforts, the Governor will establish and endow a fellowship under the “Our Whole History” Initiative. This fellowship will advance research, support ongoing discoveries, and celebrate the pivotal role of Black New Yorkers in shaping the State’s legacy.

Collaboration with Indigenous Nations

New Educational Materials For Indigenous History & Culture

To address the lack of education on Indigenous histories and cultures, the state will create new K-12 educational materials, partnering with SUNY, the NYS Indigenous Education Advisory Group, and Indigenous experts to ensure accuracy. A one-time investment of $500,000 will be allocated to develop and distribute these educational resources, promoting greater understanding, challenging misinformation, and fostering racial equity.

Increase and Commission Indigenous Artwork at the Capitol

In line with recommendations from the Indigenous Arts and Representations Advisory Group, this initiative will commission new artwork by Indigenous artists from New York’s nine Indigenous Nations to display in the State Capitol. A one-time investment of $150,000 will support the commissioning, installation, and unveiling event.

Enhance Mentoring Programs

In 2021, Governor Hochul launched the Latina Mentoring Initiative (LMI) to empower future Latina leaders ages eight to 24 by building soft skills, confidence, and nurturing aspirations via personal and professional development. In the last three years, LMI has created a community of youth inspired by Latinx representation and encouraged to expand their possibilities. This year, Governor Hochul is increasing investment in the LMI to allow more youth to be served by this impactful program. Additionally, leveraging learnings from the success of LMI, Governor Hochul is launching the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative to support young black women.