SILive.com: Inside NYC’s plan to boost abortion access for women nationwide
Tracey Porpora, SILive.com
NEW YORK – While the 2022 overturning of the Dobbs Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court restricted abortion access in 12 states, New York City has not only preserved reproductive health care for women, but expanded it.
On what would have been the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Mayor Eric Adams announced that a targeted search engine marketing effort will be launched over the next year to boost awareness and increase visibility of the reproductive care services available in New York City, regardless of where a person resides.
In fact, since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Adams says the Abortion Access Hub -- a hotline that connects callers to licensed abortion care providers in New York City -- has served more than 8,500 women — 25% being from a state where abortion has been banned or restricted. Of those out-of-state callers, 75% are from Texas, Florida or Georgia — all states with outright bans or severe restrictions, Adams said.
“Abortion care is health care, and we are proud that, because of our administration’s efforts, women can be confident that their reproductive rights are protected in the five boroughs,” said Adams. “...here in New York, on what would have been the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are ensuring that no matter your zip code, race, or economic status, you can safely access reproductive care.”
Abortion Access Hub
The Hub is made up of more than 40 clinical sites, including NYC Health + Hospitals locations, Department of Health sexual health clinics, private hospitals, independent abortion providers and telehealth-only sites that provide care.
The Hub also helps patients secure financial assistance, lodging and transportation to New York City. Anyone in the United States can contact the Hub to help them make an abortion appointment with a verified licensed provider that meets their needs and preferences.
“New York City has and will always stand up for reproductive rights,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Since the Dobbs decision, we have taken important steps to affirm rights for people, and one avenue through which all New Yorkers and Americans can seek assistance is via our Abortion Access Hub. To date, it has helped thousands of people connect with the support and information they needed.”
In January 2023, New York City became the first city in the nation to offer medication abortion, free-of-charge, at our public health clinics, ensuring that abortion care was integrated into health care services it provides, according to City Hall.
In October 2023, New York City’s public hospital system became the first in the nation to offer telehealth medication abortions to ensure that New Yorkers who cannot physically make it to a clinic or don’t feel safe doing so can still access a medication abortion, according to City Hall.
In February 2024, the Adams administration released its Sexual and Reproductive Bill of Rights to further enshrine reproductive rights.
“When the Dobbs decision stripped millions of people of a basic constitutional right to access an abortion, New York City knew it had to act urgently,” said Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The New York City Abortion Access Hub provides New Yorkers and people throughout the country who are facing bans or severe restrictions on abortion care a central place to go to navigate this new landscape and get access to care. No matter who you are or where you live, this city is here to help anyone who needs access to an abortion.”
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