New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08593

Introduced
11/26/25  
Refer
11/26/25  

Caption

Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain medications for the purposes of inducing abortion or expelling a miscarriage after the completion of a risk assessment questionnaire and delivering a factsheet to the person to whom the medication is being disbursed.

Impact

If enacted, Bill S08593 will broaden the professional responsibilities of pharmacists in New York, enabling them to play a more active role in reproductive healthcare. This change could streamline the process for individuals seeking abortion medications and enhance the availability of such services, especially in areas where medical providers might be scarce. Furthermore, the bill mandates that pharmacists receive specific training before dispensing abortion medication, ensuring a degree of safety and efficacy in the treatment provided.

Summary

Bill S08593 aims to amend the New York Education Law by allowing licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order medications for the purposes of inducing abortions or expelling miscarriages. This legislative measure authorizes pharmacists to perform these functions within their professional scope, contingent on the requirements of conducting a risk assessment questionnaire and providing a fact sheet to patients about the medications. The goal of the bill is to enhance access to reproductive healthcare services by leveraging the role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

Overall, S08593 represents a significant shift in how reproductive health services are accessed and administered in New York. By allowing pharmacists to prescribe necessary medications, the bill aims to meet the growing demand for accessible abortion services while also offering patient education on the risks and considerations involved.

Contention

The bill may encounter notable points of contention. Advocates argue that granting pharmacists the ability to prescribe abortion medications will empower patients and improve access to care. However, there may be opposition from groups concerned about the ethical implications of pharmacists being involved in abortion services. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of training and the necessity of risk assessments may arise, especially regarding the pharmacists' capability to handle potential complications or provide comprehensive care.

Companion Bills

NY A09119

Same As Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain medications for the purposes of inducing abortion or expelling a miscarriage after the completion of a risk assessment questionnaire and delivering a factsheet to the person to whom the medication is being disbursed.

Previously Filed As

NY A09119

Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain medications for the purposes of inducing abortion or expelling a miscarriage after the completion of a risk assessment questionnaire and delivering a factsheet to the person to whom the medication is being disbursed.

NY S08716

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NY A09260

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NY A09117

Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain immunizations, medicines, drugs or therapeutic devices to the extent permitted by rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner of education and the commissioner of health.

NY HF2563

A bill for an act relating to abortions including informed consent, dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications.(Formerly HSB 704; See HF 2788.)

NY SSB3115

A bill for an act relating to abortions including informed consent, dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications.

NY HSB704

A bill for an act relating to abortions including informed consent, dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications.(See HF 2563, HF 2788.)

NY HF2788

A bill for an act relating to abortions including definitions, informed consent, dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs, and other abortion-related provisions. (Formerly HF 2563, HSB 704.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

NY HB845

Relating to the authority of pharmacists to furnish certain medications.

NY H7921

Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.