Mayor Adams Makes Abortion Care Available Via Telehealth To New Yorkers Through NYC Health + Hospitals

October 2, 2023

Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Dydldy3os

NYC Health + Hospitals' Virtual Expresscare Telehealth Service Allows Patients in NYC to Speak With Providers On-Demand Via Video or Phone From Comfort of Own Home, Becoming First Public Health System in Nation to Offer Service

All Patients Considering Abortion Care Assessed by Clinicians and Provided Education and Options, Patients Pursuing Abortion Then Guided to Access Medication Via Mail or In-Person Appointment

If Clinically Appropriate and Prescribed, Medication Abortion Kits Would Arrive at NYC Address Within Days

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals today launched telehealth abortion access through Virtual ExpressCare – becoming the first public health system in the nation to do so – and further expanding New Yorkers' access to abortion care while Americans' reproductive rights remain under attack across the nation. Beginning this week, patients in New York City seeking abortion care will be able to schedule a Virtual ExpressCare appointment to speak with a New York state-licensed health care professional by video or phone, on-demand, for an assessment and counseling. If clinically appropriate and prescribed, patients will be able to receive a medication abortion kit at their New York City address within a few days.

This service will be available seven days a week, between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and will provide patients with access to safe, legal abortion care. NYC Health + Hospitals offers access to a full spectrum of medication and procedural abortion services at their hospital-based clinics, and this launch will expand care to include telehealth medication abortion. Patients can access telehealth abortion care online or by calling (718) 360-8981. Patients wishing to make an in-person appointment for obstetric and gynecologic services, including abortion care, should call (844) NYC-4NYC.

"Here in New York City, we will not allow the far right to continue its crusade to strip women of their reproductive rights. Last year, an activist Supreme Court undermined almost 50 years of settled law by overturning Roe v. Wade, but New Yorkers know that access to safe, legal abortion care is the cornerstone of public health, and we will not stand idly by as these attacks on women continue," said Mayor Adams. "Today, I am proud to announce another first for any city government: Access to abortion care will now be available through telehealth visits at NYC Health + Hospitals sites from the comfort of one's home. In New York City, we will never stop fighting for a woman's right to choose the care that is right for them, and we will never stop working to make abortion care more accessible to all New Yorkers. Telehealth abortion care allows the people in our lives to make the choices they need privately and safely, so that they can decide what is best for them and their futures. This is about protecting the ability for women to control their own bodies, their choices, and their freedoms."

"Since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision in June of 2022, the city has acted to strengthen access to reproductive care through both the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as our city's public hospital system for any person who needs it," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. "Adding Virtual ExpressCare to that suite of options for patients at NYC Health + Hospitals is an important next step in making reproductive health care conversations easy, accessible, and convenient for every person. Thank you to the NYC Health + Hospitals team that makes this work possible."

"NYC Health + Hospitals' Virtual ExpressCare makes it easy and convenient to access care, and we are excited to expand the service to include abortion care," said Erfan Karim, MPH, executive director, Virtual ExpressCare, NYC Health + Hospitals. "When you contact Virtual ExpressCare, you will be connected to a provider on-demand. We're here to provide you confidential, immediate care."

"As our country faces a devastating loss of reproductive rights, New Yorkers should know that they can access safe and legal abortion care from NYC Health + Hospitals," said Marisa Nádas, MD, MPH, reproductive health clinical lead, NYC Health + Hospitals; associate medical director, Virtual ExpressCare. "By offering access to assessment and counseling for abortion care – as well as the possibility of a remote medication abortion – through Virtual ExpressCare, we are navigating around barriers people face in coming for in-person appointments and further opening up access."

The new telehealth abortion service by NYC Health + Hospitals is based in and for New York City. Patients must attest to being in New York City at the time of the call and must attest that they will be in New York City when they take the medication. If a patient chooses to receive abortion medication by mail, the address must be in New York City. Medication abortion prescribed during a telehealth appointment is available to clinically eligible patients who are up to 10 weeks into their pregnancy.

This new service builds on a range of services the Adams administration has announced in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization last year – in which the nation's highest court ruled to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of precedent. Since that decision last year, Mayor Adams has launched the Abortion Access Hub to confidentially refer callers to abortion care, rolled out no-cost medication abortion at the city's sexual health clinics, and signed legislation strengthening abortion protections for New Yorkers.

Today's announcement expands NYC Health + Hospitals' wide range of facility-based obstetric and gynecologic services, including primary care, family planning, abortion care, prenatal through delivery care, midwifery and referrals for doula services, postpartum care, breastfeeding and lactation services, breast exams, nutrition, behavioral health referrals, preventive care, and vaccinations. Gynecology services include menopause and fibroid treatments, as well as specialty practices for gynecologic cancers, pelvic pain, and endometriosis. Patients wishing to make an in-person appointment should call (844) NYC-4NYC.

NYC Health + Hospitals' Virtual ExpressCare is available in over 200 languages. In addition to abortion care, patients can receive immediate and confidential care for an array of physical and behavioral health concerns, including COVID-19, minor injuries, fever and flu, upper respiratory infections, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. Virtual ExpressCare is available 24/7, 365 days a year to all New Yorkers online or by calling (631) EXP-Care (397-2273).

NYC Health + Hospitals serves patients regardless of their ability to pay. The new access to telehealth abortion care will be covered like any other service. Patients with insurance may need to pay a copay. If patients cannot afford to pay for the service or are uninsured, Virtual ExpressCare will provide care and connect patients to trained financial counselors who can help them enroll in health insurance coverage or financial assistance through NYC Care, Medicaid, and Medicare, with per-visit fees as low as $0, depending on patients' income and family size.

"Healthcare is a human right and that includes reproductive health," said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, chair, Health Committee. "Today's announcement of an innovative telehealth abortion initiative is a welcome and vitally needed service, especially after last year's Supreme Court reversal of reproductive choice. I want to thank Mayor Adams for his continued commitment to the health care of all New Yorkers."

"Today marks a historic win for abortion access in New York City," said Wendy Stark, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. "I applaud NYC Health + Hospitals for taking this important stride with telehealth abortion services that allow New Yorkers to access critical abortion care from the comfort of their own homes, without worrying about barriers to care like transportation and significant time off from work. When we make abortion care more accessible, we empower individuals to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and their futures."

"Ensuring that all people have the right to abortion care is not just about legal protections, it's also about making sure that care is really accessible on the ground,” said New York State Senator Liz Krueger. Making medication abortion available through telehealth is a critical option for people who, for whatever reason, may not be able to easily get to a doctor's office or clinic. And it reduces the need for more costly and involved procedures. I thank Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals for making this important option available” 

“Today, New York continues to lead the nation in protecting bodily autonomy,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. While other states roll back reproductive rights and rewind the clock of progress, New York is launching telehealth abortion access: the most accessible and modern form of reproductive health care in the country. I applaud Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals for breaking down barriers to this critical form of health care and ensuring New York will always be a safe haven for women across the United States to exercise their right to choose.”

“In an age where access to comprehensive healthcare is crucial, it’s imperative for New Yorkers to be well-informed and have options, especially when it comes to reproductive rights,” said New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda. "Mayor Adams’ initiative to offer telehealth abortion care through NYC Health + Hospitals is not only a historic step in ensuring everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their health, but it also showcases the importance of a healthcare system that adapts to the needs of its people. Access to timely, safe, and confidential medical care is a fundamental right, and this initiative underscores our city’s commitment to protecting that right.”

"In the face of adversity, New York City once again leads the way, showing that innovation and compassion can bridge the gaps in reproductive healthcare,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. The mayor and NYC Health + Hospitals have set a powerful precedent, affirming that when it comes to safeguarding reproductive rights, progress knows no bounds."

“We are pleased that Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals have secured telehealth access for New Yorkers seeking abortion care,” said New York State Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright. "Virtual ExpressCare will increase accessibility so patients can speak with licensed medical professionals on-demand and obtain medication upon approval. Together, we will ensure no one in New York faces barriers to reproductive health care.”

"Women's rights are being stripped away across the country, with dangerous consequences, and we are continuing our commitment to fighting back as a welcoming sanctuary for all Americans,” said New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "New York will always protect a woman's right to choose and defend our healthcare rights. I applaud Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals for immensely expanding abortion access for New Yorkers and our entire nation through telehealth.”

“For decades New York has been a recognized leader on abortion access and recent attacks on reproductive justice in our nation will not set us back,” said New York State Assemblymember Harvey Epstein. "The historic launch of telehealth abortion access through Virtual ExpressCare enshrines New York City as the first city government in the country to expand abortion access through telehealth. This action complements my recently enacted bill A1395C which expanded access to reproductive healthcare for students on CUNY & SUNY campuses by requiring schools to provide medication abortion on campus or a referral to a nearby provider, including telehealth providers. New York will continue to protect a woman's right to choose despite consistent attempts at the federal level to limit bodily autonomy.

“Today, Mayor Eric Adams leads the nation by making New York City the first municipality in the country to expand access to abortion services through Virtual ExpressCare,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. "After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, women living in states that have banned abortion are three times more likely to die from pregnancy. Currently, minorities are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth related causes. But according to the CDC, 80% of these cases of maternal mortality can be prevented with just one or more reasonable changes. Mayor Adams is showing us how by expanding telehealth access for women’s health care and setting the standard for how a government should protect its people.”

“I commend the Mayor for continuing to improve and protect access to health care services for all New Yorkers,” said New York State Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.

“In a post-Roe America, New York City will continue to protect the right to access abortion,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “As a member of the first majority-women council in the city's history, I have stood with my colleagues to defend and extend abortion rights in the city. By offering telehealth appointments for abortion care, the city ensures pregnant New Yorkers receive the healthcare they need from the comfort of their homes. I commend the administration for launching this first-in-the-nation program and once more demonstrating the city’s commitment to bodily autonomy."

“Abortion access is health care access. As other parts of the country work overtime to limit reproductive care, I am pleased to see NYC Health + Hospitals taking the lead on expanding access to abortion. The decision to get an abortion is a personal one that should always be made between the woman and her doctor - not the government,” said New York City City Council Majority Leader  Keith Powers.  

“With reproductive rights under assault after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, dismantling 50 years of legal reproductive rights protections, access to quality health care has become more imperative than ever,” said New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez, chair, Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection. “Virtual ExpressCare is one of the forward-thinking ideas we need to expand healthcare access so women can address their health needs as they deem fit, without interference from government overreach. I want to thank Mayor Adams for implementing this service, one of the first of its kind around the country.”