The overturning of
Roe v. Wade is an attack on “our pursuit of happiness,” said New York mayor
Eric Adams speaking on the steps of the City Hall flanked by officials and
protestors. Laying out how New York seeks to protect abortion rights, Eric
Adams, former cop turned NY mayor, said he wouldn’t be mayor if not for an abortion.
 

“I was 15, and I
just got home from being arrested, and [my then partner] came to me. She said, ‘Eric,
I am pregnant, and look at your life,’” recalled the former NYPD cop who says
being beaten by the police made him join the force and serve the department for
22 years.

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Adam’s said his impulse
was to keep the baby. But it was his partner who convinced him otherwise. “Eric,
you’re arrested, you’re not going to school. What future is this baby going to
have,” Adams said adding that his then partner took the “empowered” decision
that was smart for the both of us.

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Later, upon being
asked at a television interview if he thought he would be mayor if he had had
the child, Adams said, “No, I don’t.”

Adams address in
front of City Hall began with a bunch of women deputy mayors relating their
experiences with abortion. Chaplain Ingrid-Lewis Martin, one of Adams’ closest
confidantes, spoke of women who need abortions after rape.

The New York mayor
also detailed his plan to ensure safe abortion for both New Yorkers and
out-of-staters. New York has already passed a law to protect abortion providers
and people who travel to the state for abortions from subpoenas. New York has
also decided to improve access to medication abortion in sexual health clinics.

New York Health
Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said the city will provide transportation, food and
housing options to out-of-staters who come to New York to get the procedure done
from where it is outlawed.

Eric Adams said, “After
today, young women will come of age with fewer rights than their parents. The
far right, enabled by this court, has declared war on the American people, war
on public safety, and our pursuit of happiness.”