Sexual and Reproductive Health

If you are pregnant, you have the right to nonjudgmental, unbiased information about abortion, and access to services that can help you make a decision. You should know you have three options: being a parent, placing the child up for adoption, or an abortion. Go to Planned Parenthood Pregnancy Testing Services for more information.

You have the right to access abortion services, even if you are placed out of state.

If you are placed out of state and need access to any sexual or reproductive healthcare not available in your state, including abortion, please contact your foster agency or email NYC ACS.

You do not need any adult's consent for pregnancy services, including abortion. For accessing abortion services please visit the NYC Abortion Access Hub, Planned Parenthood Abortion Access.

You should have the opportunity to receive education on STI and HIV prevention from your foster care agency. You have the right to access PEP/PrEP for HIV exposure or prevention, and the right to see a doctor for testing for STIs or HIV. For STI/HIV testing and treatment, please see the "Youth Health Clinics" section below.

You have the right to be respected for who you are and be safe in your foster home, at your provider agency, at school and at the doctor's office. You have the right to:

• Be addressed by your chosen name and pronoun
• Use private bathrooms and the restroom you want to use
• Wear or use clothing or grooming products that reflect your gender

Go to LGBTQAI+ Equity Strategies for more information.

You have the right to access gender-affirming care, even if you are placed out of state. While you have the right to access LGBTQIA+-affirming services, such as gender-affirming hormore therapy, you may need consent to receive these services. For assistance in navigating these resources, please speak with your foster agency or case planner.

See Resources below for a list of LGBTQIA+ specific clinics and services available to you, many of which are low- to no-cost!

You have the right to be safe in your relationship. Your provider agency should provide you information about healthy relationships, including knowing what it means to give consent. Consent means that all partners verbally agree to participate in each interaction without pressure or violence.

All youth in foster care who are 12-years-old and older must be told of their right to sexual reproductive health services within 30 days of coming to foster care and every 6 months after.

You have the right to get your Client Identification Number (CIN) or Medicaid Managed Care Plan (MMCP) ID number, so you can access services and resources outside of your foster care agency.

You have the right to sexual and reproductive health information that is nurturing, affirming and respectful.

The Newborn Home Visiting Program is a service for all mothers who are engaged with ACS - regardless of age or immigration status.

A health worker will visit you at home to provide breastfeeding support and help create a safe and nurturing home for your family. They talk about any concerns and questions you may have, share information, and help you find services your family might need. The visit lasts about an hour.

If you have recently given birth and you are interested, please call 311 and ask about the Newborn Home Visiting Program. You can also call 718-637-5235 for more information.

NYC Nurse-Family Partnership (NYC NFP) pairs first-time mothers with their own personal nurse, who will provide information, guidance and advice, supporting them to have healthy pregnancies, become knowledgeable and nurturing parents, achieve their own goals-such as continuing their education, developing job skills and giving their children the best possible start in life. There is no cost to the client and it is available regardless of immigration status. Anyone up to 28 weeks pregnant can get more information by visiting NYC Nurse-Family Partnership or calling 311 and asking for Nurse-Family Partnership.

If you are age 12 years or older, NYC Health + Hospitals offers safe and confidential Youth Health services to all adolescents, regardless of ability to pay, immigration status, or sexual orientation.

NYC Health + Hospitals provides the following services:

• STI/HIV Testing and Treatment
• Birth Control
• Emergency Contraception
• Pregnancy Testing
• LGBTQIA+ Care

Please visit NYC Health+Hospitals for up-to-date services and locations.

Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center's unique, New York City-based program delivers comprehensive, integrated medical and mental health services and prevention education to young people aged 10 to 26, all under one roof and at no cost to patients.

At the Adolescent Health Center, young people can find a wide range of services specially designed for their needs, including:

• Primary health care
• Counseling, support, mental health and family therapy
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Nutrition, fitness and wellness programs

Please visit Mount Sinai-Adolescent Health Center for up-to-date services and locations. To make an appointment for SRH services, please call 212-423-3000.

Planned Parenthood provides high-quality inclusive and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services to all New Yorkers with respect and compassion. Available services include:

• Abortion Services
• Birth Control
• Emergency Contraception
• Hormone Replacement Therapies
• Pregnancy Testing
• STI/HIV Services

Please visit Planned Parenthood for up-to-date services and locations. Virtual Health Center appointments are also available.