FPA’s 22nd Annual Legislative Conference debuts the Shirley Gordon Public Policy Leadership Award, honoring FPA’s first executive director’s leadership in supporting the health of women and their families by shaping public policy in New York State.

Still mourning the death of Dr. Slepian and fearing more violence, FPA declares safe clinic access as its top legislative priority.  Working with the Attorney General’s office, FPA develops and promotes legislation to protect employees and individuals at family planning clinics.  After a hard fight in the Senate, Clinic Access and Anti-Stalking Act passes both houses and is signed into law.

The development of the Health Care Reform Act (HCRA), which includes a new Family Health Plus program to insure adults with children up to 150% of the federal poverty level, is closely monitored by FPA. FPA initiates the “Trust Women” campaign to reinforce a woman’s ability to make moral decisions without government interference.

The Governor’s proposed budget for family planning is maintained at $18.3 million, but the Legislature adds $1.5 million for a total budget of $19.8 million for family planning.

The Education Fund of FPA’s MergerWatch Project works to protect poor women’s rights to reproductive services when enrolled in an HMO that limits services due to religious doctrine.