NYC Health + Hospitals Secures $10.7M to Enhance Abortion Services

NYC Health + Hospitals has received a substantial grant of $10.7 million from the New York State Abortion Access Program. This funding aims to enhance abortion care across its network of 11 hospitals over the next three years. The investment will focus on hiring additional providers and patient navigators, acquiring necessary equipment and supplies, and expanding access to abortion doulas. It will also offer financial support for patients seeking these essential services.

In 2024, NYC Health + Hospitals reported providing more than 6,000 abortions. The health system currently offers both medication and procedural abortion at its hospital-based clinics, as well as telehealth options through its Virtual ExpressCare platform. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals seeking care have multiple avenues for support.

Dr. Marisa Nadas, the System Director of Complex Family Planning at NYC Health + Hospitals, expressed her enthusiasm for the funding. “I am thrilled that Governor Kathy Hochul and other state-level leadership have chosen to continue to put resources toward this essential healthcare service,” she stated. “Abortion care is vital to New Yorkers having agency over their lives and reaching their full potential. When people have control over their futures, we all benefit.”

The telehealth program is designed to facilitate access for New Yorkers seeking abortion care, allowing them to connect with licensed clinicians by phone or video for assessment and counseling. If eligible, patients can receive medication through this service. The program operates daily from 09:00 to 21:00, and it is available in over 200 languages. Individuals can access the service via the website expresscare.nyc or by calling 1-718-360-8981.

The grant from the New York State Abortion Access Program underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring that abortion services remain accessible to all New Yorkers. With this funding, NYC Health + Hospitals is poised to further strengthen its role as a leader in reproductive healthcare, fostering an environment where individuals can make informed choices about their bodies and futures.