Legislative Memo on the New York Health Information Privacy Act

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, we need stronger privacy protections. It is impossible to have an abortion without leaving a digital trail and electronic health data has already been used to prosecute people for supporting others to access abortion care. A.4983-A/S.158-A aims to holistically protect New Yorkers’ electronic health data as well as electronic health data generated in New York.

Because we believe that New Yorkers deserve control over their electronic health data, and because we believe that no one should worry that their health data will be used to criminalize them, the NYCLU strongly supports A.4983-A/S.158-A and urges its immediate passage.