In November, New York state residents will be able to vote for the New York Equal Rights Amendment on the back of the general election ballot.

The ERA, known as “Prop 1,” is an amendment to the New York State Constitution that will protect the reproductive rights and freedoms of New York residents, as well as ensure protection from discrimination for people with disabilities, women, pregnant individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

As the president of Ithaca College’s chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, we have been part of a broader effort across chapters to raise awareness about the upcoming decision. There has been a surprising lack of media coverage about Prop 1, and we found through local canvassing that many people are unaware that this initiative will be on New York’s ballot. Because approximately 44% of Ithaca College students are New York state residents, the college alone has the power to cast 2,200 votes for statewide abortion protection. 

The overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022 repealed federal protection of abortion access in the United States, leaving reproductive health care legislation up to state governments. Although reproductive freedoms are currently protected in New York state laws, voting “yes” to Prop 1 will make it difficult for any legislators to repeal these protections in the future. 

Since 2022, abortion has become illegal in 14 states, and in states like Texas, Alabama and Louisiana, near-total abortion bans criminalize miscarriages and deny patients proper treatment. The implications of abortion restrictions extend far beyond just abortion. Bans have the potential to reduce access to contraception, fertilization treatments and pregnancy care, and New York is not safe from the possibility of these restrictions. New York politicians have introduced 53 anti-abortion bills in the past 10 years, but codifying equal rights would prevent future bills from passing.

Voting in favor of Prop 1 in the upcoming election will protect access to abortion, emergency contraception, IVF treatment and birth control across the state, regardless of the beliefs of those in power. It protects all clinics across the state, even in rural areas, where people seeking abortions often have to travel greater distances for available health care.

Beyond abortion protections, Prop 1 would help domestic violence victims hold abusers accountable in court, ensure LGBTQ+ residents have equal access to employment and health care and improve voter accessibility for disabled citizens. 

As restrictions increase nationwide, Prop 1 places rights and access in the hands of voters rather than politicians. With an uncertain political climate, it is up to voters to cement equal rights for historically marginalized groups in New York.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is working with New Yorkers for Equal Rights in support of their “YES on Prop 1” campaign, running through the election to raise awareness of the proposal and encourage voters to flip their ballot over to vote for Prop 1.

If you want to get involved or need help registering to vote, the college’s chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action will be hosting a voter registration drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2–4 and Oct. 22–24 in the Campus Center. Sign up for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Prop 1 volunteer updates here.

New York residents should hold the power over their own lives, futures and health care. Spread the word about Prop 1, and encourage others to flip their ballot and vote “yes” on Nov. 5.