Lawmakers in New York are trying to write the right to abortion into the state constitution

Friday’s passage of the amendment is the first step toward adding the language to New York’s constitution. Lawmakers will have to vote again to pass the amendment in the next legislative session next year, and then voters must vote to pass it in a referendum before it takes effect.

The text of the amendment specifically states the protection of rights related to pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health care and autonomy.

It reads in part: “No one shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, [or]religion or gender, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health and autonomy, to be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation or institution, or by the State or any agency or subdivision of the State, under law.”

The state Senate passed the amendment 49-14 on Friday, and the state Assembly passed it 98-43 that evening.

Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a press conference earlier Friday that enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution “will protect reproductive health in New York State for generations to come.”

After the Legislature acted, Hochul praised state Democratic leaders for “moving this critical protection forward, building on our nation-leading protections for abortion patients and providers.”

“At a time of widespread polarization, New York is working to write into our very constitution that no matter who you love, where you come from, or how you choose to express yourself, you are welcome here and we will protect you,” she said in statement.

Hochul called the Legislature into a special session this week to begin the process of enshrining abortion rights as well as passing another piece of legislation restricting the concealed carry of guns in New York. Both were in response to recent US Supreme Court decisions.

In recent days, the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and struck down a century-old state law that placed restrictions on carrying a concealed handgun outside the home.

This story was updated with additional details on Friday.