New York Assembly Bill A09217

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/3/25
• Refer: 11/3/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Report Pass: 1/21/26

Caption

Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.

Impact

If passed, A09217 could have significant implications on the state's regulations surrounding medication abortion. It would effectively provide legal protection for healthcare providers who prescribe medications that are no longer federally approved but were deemed safe and effective when produced. By clarifying these definitions within the penal and education laws, the bill seeks to eliminate legal ambiguity that might deter doctors from offering medical abortion services, thereby enhancing access to reproductive healthcare in New York.

Summary

Bill A09217 aims to amend the penal law and education law of New York state regarding the prescription, dispensing, and receipt of mifepristone and other drugs used for medication abortions. Specifically, it stipulates that such actions shall not be considered criminal diversion acts or misbranding under specific circumstances. The bill highlights the legislative intent to protect healthcare providers from penalties when prescribing these medications that may no longer have federal approval but were compliant at the time of manufacture based on accurate labeling.

Contention

However, the bill may face opposition from various sectors, particularly among those who argue about the safety and efficacy of medications like mifepristone, especially when they are no longer under FDA approval. Critics may contend that allowing these drugs to remain legally prescribed could lead to misuse or public health issues. Thus, the discussions surrounding A09217 are likely to involve heated debates on reproductive rights, healthcare accessibility, and regulatory oversight, reflecting broader national conversations on abortion and women's healthcare rights.