On February 3, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation enhancing New York's telehealth "shield law," which protects doctors prescribing abortion pills across state lines.

The new law allows healthcare providers to have their practice's name on prescription labels instead of their personal names, promoting privacy for those involved in reproductive healthcare.

This legislation was prompted by the indictment of Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York physician charged with prescribing abortion pills to a minor in Louisiana, highlighting the legal conflicts arising from differing state laws.

The case against Carpenter marks a significant legal precedent, as it represents the first time a doctor has faced interstate criminal charges related to abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The legislation not only aims to protect healthcare providers' privacy but also addresses the ongoing challenges of accessing reproductive care amid increasing national political pressures.

Governor Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to reproductive freedom, stating that New York will remain a safe haven for reproductive healthcare and will not comply with any extradition requests related to Carpenter's case.

Currently, 18 states have some form of interstate shield laws, with eight states, including New York, providing telehealth protections for abortion providers.

Reproductive rights groups criticized the indictment of Carpenter, arguing that it threatens healthcare access and could intimidate medical providers in restrictive states.

In response to increasing restrictions on abortion, there has been a notable rise in women seeking abortion pills and sterilization procedures, as reported by reproductive health organizations.

Medication abortions accounted for 63% of all U.S. abortions in 2023, underscoring their critical role in reproductive healthcare access.

To further support reproductive health providers, Governor Hochul established the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Fund, allocating $25 million in 2025 to enhance abortion access.

Hochul's administration plans to introduce additional legislation requiring pharmacists to respect doctors' requests for anonymity on prescription labels, reinforcing the state's commitment to reproductive rights.