Hochul announces actions to protect access to abortion medication

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that the state will stockpile the abortion medication Misoprostol as part of ongoing efforts to protect access to abortion. The New York State Department of Health will immediately begin purchasing Misoprostol in order to stockpile 150,000 doses, a five-year supply, in order to meet anticipated needs.  

Building on a $35 million investment to support abortion providers last year, Hochul also announced that if the abortion medication Mifepristone is taken off the market, the state will commit up to an additional $20 million to providers to support access to other methods of care.  

Hochul is also currently working with the Legislature on new legislation to require private insurers to cover Misoprostol when it’s prescribed off-label for abortion.  

Hochul has also proposed several actions to protect access to abortion care and support abortion providers as part of her proposed FY 2024 Executive Budget, including:  

• Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates  
• Providing $25 million in support to providers  
• Allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control  
• Implementing data privacy protections, and   
• Expanding abortion access on SUNY and CUNY campuses