Abortion protections expanded in New York: Hochul signs new shield law enhancements

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to abortion protections for providers and patients in New York. It reinforces the state’s role as a national safe haven for reproductive freedom. The new law (S.4587/A.5285) strengthens the state’s existing shield law by providing additional privacy safeguards. This applies to health care professionals involved in abortion and reproductive care.

What the New Abortion Shield Law Does

The updated legislation allows medical providers to request that only the address of the dispensing health care practice be listed on prescription labels, omitting the name of the individual prescriber or clinic. Pharmacies are now required by law to comply with such requests.

This move comes in response to growing legal threats from states attempting to prosecute New York-based providers—especially those offering abortion services via telehealth. It builds on a similar measure signed by Hochul earlier this year, following an attempt by Louisiana to extradite a New York physician who prescribed abortion medication remotely.

Why This Matters for Abortion Access

In an era where abortion rights are under attack across much of the country, New York continues to take aggressive legislative action to protect both providers and patients. The new law targets a critical vulnerability: the use of personal information on prescription labels, which could expose providers to harassment or legal action from states with abortion bans.