WBFO Women's News Desk

The New York State Legislature voted Tuesday to codify the abortion rights in the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade into New York law. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure immediately after the vote.

More and more women in New York are picking up rifles for the first time, joining a growing population of female hunters.

Western New Yorkers are among those in Washington, D.C. who have traveled there to participate in the March For Life, which is held every year on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion. Those attending from Western New York who identify themselves as "pro-life" say there is much more to that term than the abortion issue and they include that in their message.

Acknowledging they will be up against some harsh elements Sunday afternoon, participants in the third annual Women's March Buffalo/WNY vow to again share messages of unity and struggle, celebrating accomplishments such as more seats in elected offices but also pointing out the disparities they still face.

The New York state legislative session began with ceremonies and excitement as Democrats claimed their solid majority in the state Senate and made history with the election of a new female leader.

The Cuomo Administration and state democratic lawmakers are calling for passage of the Reproductive Health Act. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is joining the effort as they seek passage in the first 30-days of the state legislative session.

The Cuomo Administration is touting one of the most progressive agendas in New York State history, 2019 Justice Agenda.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul were sworn-in for a third term Tuesday night in New York City.  WBFO senior reporter Eileen Buckley talked to Hochul about several topics including passing the Child Victims Act, legalizing recreational marijuana and a gun safety measure as a new senate democratic majority takes over when the legislature returns to work January 9 in Albany.   

A brand new addiction treatment center has opened in Niagara County.  Horizon Health Services held a ribbon cutting Thursday for Aurora Village Campus in Sanborn. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the new facility is just for women.  

Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek has specialized in prosecuting domestic violence cases throughout most of her career, but few people know she has had her own #MeToo moment.

The Immaculata Shelter in Lockport is beginning its second year of operation. This unique shelter gives women a place to go after they have left prison or addiction treatment centers.

Going to college as single parent can be daunting task. With that in mind, Niagara County Community College is offering “Mapping Opportunities for Single Parents,” a program designed to guide moms down the path to graduation.

Several African-American women will be appearing Friday evening in a special performance on stage at the University at Buffalo's Lippes Concert Hall on the north campus in Amherst.  WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley talked with the author and producer Latricia Davis who created this original play called "This Is My Story".   

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director JoAnn Falletta had an interesting experience. Falletta appears as one of six inspiring women for the Macy's fall ad campaign. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley talked to Falletta about how the advertisement is design to empower women.

It’s been a long journey for Pausa Art House co-owner Lazara Martinez who grew up in Cuba before coming to America. Now, her live music venue has become a hot spot for touring musicians. This weekend, Grammy nominated jazz artist Jane Bunnett will be performing with her all-women Cuban group Maqueque.

A new mashup of 47 studies of diabetes and cancer covering more than 19 million patients finds a seriously higher risk of developing cancer among diabetics, especially type 2 diabetics. It also finds diabetic women are much more likely to develop cancer than diabetic men.

Even though there are slightly more women than men, in Erie County, a new report shows most elected offices are held by men.