Coordinating Care, From Miami to Manhattan
On Election Night, Chelsea Williams-Diggs went to bed around 10 p.m. Even though it was too early to know the results of the presidential election, a race “critical” to her had already been called: Florida’s Amendment 4.
“That’s what I was mostly biting my nails on,” she said. “It was so frustrating that it was called so early, even though 57% of Floridians voted ‘yes.’”
Amendment 4 was Florida’s abortion referendum: a ballot question posed to voters that, if enacted, would have protected abortion access and dismantled the state’s current near-total ban. It needed 60% of the vote to succeed — but with only 57% of voters saying yes, it did not meet that threshold.
At the same time, in Williams-Diggs’ own state, New York, Proposition 1 passed, enshrining abortion protections in the state constitution. But for her, the executive director of New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF), the Florida amendment’s failure would have a much more immediate effect on her life and work.
As one of the five employees who disperses financial assistance to abortion seekers through NYAAF, Williams-Diggs has witnessed firsthand the consequences of Florida’s strict anti-abortion laws.
“It was a really big blow to our broader movement and to how we understand New York’s ecosystem as well,” she told THE CITY last week. “After Florida enacted their six-week ban, which was in May of this past year, NYAAF immediately saw a spike — a huge increase in Floridians traveling to New York to access abortion care.”
According to her data, the increase was around 460%.
Unsustainable Demand
In New York, people can get abortions at hospitals, Planned Parenthood offices, and independent clinics — and all of these options face their own challenges to provide care.
“It’s been really hard,” said Robin Chappelle Golston, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, the advocacy arm of the organization. “As we’re seeing bans across the country, and we do have folks coming in from other states to receive care, it’s even more important for there to be a true investment.”
In the wake of the election, Planned Parenthood Empire States Acts is presenting Gov. Kathy Hochul with a “substantial budget ask package” to increase funding for reproductive health care in the state, Chappelle Golston told THE CITY.
An ‘Access State’
One thing that advocates stress: In New York, abortion is legal.
But in order to preserve New York’s status as an “access state,” as Chappelle Golston refers to it, she and other advocates are fighting for stronger legislative protections.
Alongside more funding for insurance reimbursement in the budget, PPGNY and other organizations like the NYCLU are advocating for bills that would give people more control over their electronic health records, and strengthen the state’s “shield” laws, which protect telehealth providers who send abortion pills to people in states where abortion is illegal.
Conclusion
The failure of Amendment 4 in Florida has significant implications for abortion seekers in the state and beyond. As advocates in New York work to preserve the state’s status as an “access state,” they are also fighting for stronger legislative protections and increased funding for reproductive health care.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of abortion access in Florida?
A: Florida has a near-total ban on abortion, with some exceptions.
Q: What is the impact of the failure of Amendment 4 on abortion seekers in Florida?
A: The failure of Amendment 4 means that abortion seekers in Florida will continue to face significant barriers to accessing safe and legal abortion care.
Q: What is the current state of abortion access in New York?
A: New York has legalized abortion and enshrined it in the state constitution.
Q: What is the impact of the failure of Amendment 4 on abortion seekers in New York?
A: The failure of Amendment 4 has led to an increase in Floridians traveling to New York to access abortion care, putting a strain on the state’s abortion providers and infrastructure.
Q: What is being done to preserve New York’s status as an “access state”?
A: Advocates are fighting for stronger legislative protections and increased funding for reproductive health care to ensure that New York remains a safe and accessible place for people to access abortion care.
