Attorney General Letitia James on Friday reminded New Yorkers that abortion is legal and protected in the state despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. 

“It is a sad day throughout this country but here in New York the right to choose, the right to have an abortion is sacred in the coming days the state legislature will convey,” James told host Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall.” “And I am hopeful that they will pass the quality amendment which will enshrine in our constitution the right to a safe abortion.”

Under New York state law, women can have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and after 24 weeks if the mother’s health is at risk or the pregnancy will not survive.

James emphasizes New York will remain a “sanctuary state” for abortion rights. She tells Louis that last month she supported a bill that would establish a state fund to pay abortion providers and offset costs for low-income and uninsured or underinsured abortion patients. 

“We will stand up for the right to choose, a woman’s right to have a safe abortion in the state of New York and to have full autonomy over your future, your body and your destiny,” James said.  

Additionally, James responded to Justice Clarence Thomas’ remarks that the high court should “reconsider” past rulings, including landmark decisions that granted a right to contraception and same-sex marriages. 

He should be “very careful” because these rulings are protected by the 14th Amendment, she said. 

She emphasized the impact of voting. 

“A political decision mandates a political response, and the only response is to vote,” James said.