The push to protect New York's abortion providers from states that may ban the procedure

The leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that could overturn the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision has prompted some New York legislators to push for greater protections for abortion providers.

State Sen. Rachel May, whose district includes Syracuse, plans to back legislation that prohibits New York law enforcement from cooperating with out-of-state investigations. May said the law, Senate Bill 8778 would protect patients and providers from anti-abortion states that attempt to extend beyond their boundaries.

“We don’t want other states to be imposing their laws on people who exercise their legal right to healthcare here in New York State," May said.

If the Supreme Court does reverse Roe, pro-abortion research organization The Guttmacher Institute estimates as many as 26 states will ban or heavily restrict abortion. May said she wants New York to be a safe place for those seeking the the procedure.

“This is horrifying what is going on around this country. People want to criminalize women’s bodies and very important decisions that women make about their own bodies and their own destinies, and we can’t support that here in New York State," she said.

May expects a vote on the bill before the legislative session ends in June.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has pledged to make New York a safe haven for people seeking an abortion.

Hochul said her team and state lawmakers are ready to take proactive measures ahead of the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Let me be clear: We’re not playing defense. We’re playing offense. So my message to women all across this country is that New York, the state of New York, will always be there for anyone who needs reproductive healthcare, including an abortion.”

The Supreme Court is set to release its final ruling this summer.