Four Democratic women running for state Senate in the Hudson Valley and Catskills issued a joint statement this week condemning Republican Senate leaders for preventing votes on bills that would codify abortion rights and guarantee insurance coverage for contraception.
The statement came from Jen Metzger, one of two Democrats running to succeed retiring Republican Sen. John Bonacic in the 42nd District; Pat Strong, who’s challenging Sen. George Amedore in the 46th District; Joyce St. George, who’s challenging Sen. James Seward in the 51st District; and Karen Smythe, the challenger for Sen. Sue Serino in the 41st district.
Metzger pointed out that Bonacic himself is the sponsor of the contraception bill his own party leaders blocked.
“We need a Senate majority that will make sure women are guaranteed access to affordable, safe, and essential reproductive health options,” she said. “Our rights must be protected under the law in New York State.”