New York Senate to Vote on Reproductive Health Care Bills

Legislation aims to expand access to emergency contraception and egg freezing

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The New York State Senate will be considering a package of reproductive health care bills during their upcoming session on Tuesday. The proposed legislation includes a bill that would require at least one emergency contraceptive vending machine on all SUNY and CUNY campuses, as well as a bill that would mandate insurance coverage for egg freezing procedures across the state.

Why it matters

These bills are part of ongoing efforts by New York lawmakers to expand reproductive health care access and options for residents, particularly younger people and students. Proponents argue that increased availability of emergency contraception and more affordable egg freezing can give individuals greater control over their fertility and family planning decisions.

The details

The emergency contraception vending machine bill is being supported by Senate Democrats, with Senator Lea Webb noting that many SUNY and CUNY campuses have already taken the initiative to install such machines. The egg freezing bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, would require commercial insurance plans in New York to cover the procedure, which can currently cost up to $20,000 per cycle.

  • The New York State Senate will be voting on the reproductive health care package during their session on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Lea Webb

New York State Senator who is supporting the bill to require emergency contraception vending machines on SUNY and CUNY campuses.

Michelle Hinchey

New York State Senator who has introduced legislation to mandate insurance coverage for egg freezing procedures.

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What they’re saying

“Happy to report that a number of student leaders across both SUNY and CUNY have actually taken the lead and have established emergency contraception vending machines. This legislation would require it of all of our SUNY and CUNY Campuses.”

— Lea Webb, New York State Senator

“One cycle of egg freezing in New York typically costs anywhere between $18,000- $20,000. That is unacceptable and it's also out of reach for most young people living across our state.”

— Michelle Hinchey, New York State Senator

“No matter where you live, who you are, you should be able to have freedom to take control of your fertility. To freeze your eggs and store them for when you want to have a family. Our bill would require insurance to cover that across the state of New York.”

— Michelle Hinchey, New York State Senator

What’s next

The Senate Republican conference has not yet responded to requests for comment on their stance regarding the reproductive health care legislative package.

The takeaway

These bills represent the New York legislature's ongoing efforts to expand access to reproductive health services and give residents more control over family planning decisions, particularly for younger people and students who may face financial barriers to procedures like egg freezing.