Meaning: The quote you've provided is attributed to Frederick Pollock Judge and seems to be discussing the impact of the New York abortion law in the United States. The quote suggests that despite the enactment of the New York abortion law, it has not had a significant effect in the states where it has been implemented. To fully understand the context and implications of this quote, it is important to delve into the background and significance of the New York abortion law, as well as the broader landscape of abortion legislation in the United States.

The New York abortion law referenced in the quote is likely the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which was signed into law in January 2019. The RHA aimed to protect and preserve a woman's right to access safe and legal abortion and to regulate abortion as part of the practice of medicine. This legislation was significant because it expanded abortion rights in New York by removing abortion from the state's criminal code and codifying the right to abortion in state law. Additionally, the RHA allowed for abortions after 24 weeks if the fetus is not viable or when necessary to protect the patient's life or health.

In the broader context of abortion legislation in the United States, the issue has been highly contentious and politically charged. The landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade in 1973 established a woman's legal right to have an abortion, striking down many state laws that restricted access to abortion. However, since then, there has been a continual push and pull between advocates for reproductive rights and anti-abortion activists, leading to a patchwork of state laws that regulate and restrict abortion access.

The quote's assertion that the New York abortion law has not done very much in the states where it has been enacted may be referring to the limitations of state-specific legislation in addressing the broader challenges and controversies surrounding abortion rights. Despite the progressive nature of the RHA in New York, the quote implies that its impact has not been substantial in influencing abortion laws and access in other states.

It is important to note that the impact of abortion laws and policies can vary significantly between states due to differences in legal frameworks, political climates, and access to reproductive healthcare services. While New York may have enacted progressive abortion legislation, other states have implemented restrictive laws, such as mandatory waiting periods, counseling requirements, and limitations on public funding for abortion services.

Moreover, the quote may reflect the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding abortion rights in the United States. The passage of the RHA in New York may not have directly influenced other states' policies, as the regulation of abortion continues to be a fiercely debated and litigated issue at both the state and federal levels.

In conclusion, the quote by Frederick Pollock Judge raises important considerations about the impact of the New York abortion law and the broader landscape of abortion legislation in the United States. It highlights the complex and varied nature of abortion laws across different states and the challenges associated with enacting comprehensive and consistent reproductive rights policies on a national scale. The quote invites further exploration of the dynamics shaping abortion rights and access in the United States and underscores the ongoing importance of this issue in public discourse and policymaking.