The Importance of Voting Yes on Proposal 1: Protecting Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights
At Family Planning of South Central New York, our mission is to ensure accessible, compassionate, and equitable reproductive and sexual health care for everyone in our community. That’s why we believe passing New York State’s Proposal 1 is crucial for protecting and expanding the rights that directly impact the people we serve.
What is Proposal 1?
Proposal 1, set for the 2024 ballot, aims to amend the New York State Constitution to expand protections against discrimination. While the state constitution currently prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, and religion, this proposal would add vital protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity), pregnancy, and reproductive healthcare choices.
For us, the addition of reproductive healthcare autonomy to the constitution is significant. It would mean that no one could face discrimination based on their choices around pregnancy, including contraception, abortion, and other reproductive health decisions. This change directly aligns with Family Planning’s values, as we advocate for bodily autonomy and equal access to reproductive health services for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Why is This Important?
The inclusion of reproductive rights as a protected class strengthens the legal foundation for individuals to make decisions about their own bodies without fear of discrimination. As an agency committed to ensuring everyone has the right to choose the reproductive care that’s best for them, the passage of Proposal 1 is essential to preventing discrimination that could limit access to care, stigmatize certain health decisions, or lead to unequal treatment in healthcare settings.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Proposal 1 would also provide additional protections for groups who have historically faced barriers in accessing healthcare, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who experience gender-based discrimination. By expanding these protections, our state will move closer to ensuring equitable healthcare for all New Yorkers—something we work towards every day at Family Planning.
Your Vote Matters
We urge everyone in our community to educate themselves on Proposal 1 and cast a vote in favor of these expanded protections. This amendment would safeguard the rights of New Yorkers to access the reproductive and sexual healthcare they need, free from fear or bias. Protecting these rights is crucial not just for today but for future generations.
By voting “Yes” on Proposal 1, you’ll be contributing to a more inclusive and equitable New York State—one where reproductive and sexual health rights are guaranteed for all.
