New York City Health Department Continues to Support Reproductive Rights for All
Three Years After the Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the City Remains a Beacon for Access to Reproductive Care
The Abortion Access Hub Connected with Over 12,000 People Since Launching in 2022, with 25% of Callers From Out of State
June 23, 2025 — As support for evidence-based healthcare comes under fire, the New York City Health Department continues to support access to low barrier, high quality sexual and reproductive healthcare for anyone in need.
Through the confidential New York City Abortion Access Hub hotline and the provision of medication abortion at the department’s Sexual Health clinics - the first municipally funded services of their kind - the city helps individuals seeking abortion care navigate a complex healthcare system and connect with vetted providers. Services are provided regardless of income, insurance or immigration status.
“Sexual and reproductive care is essential,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “At the New York City Health Department, we are proud to support patient autonomy and do our part to expand access to care, minimize stigma, and fight misinformation.”
“Abortion is healthcare, and at NYC Health + Hospitals we support our patients across the full spectrum of reproductive care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals System Director of Complex Family Planning Marisa Nadas, MD, MPH. “As we reflect on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we remain steadfast in offering safe, evidence-based reproductive care in New York City.”
The Abortion Access Hub, which launched in November of 2022, has received 12,360 calls and chats to date. Live navigators speak with callers about their individualized needs and pregnancy before making warm handoffs based on each situation to help connect callers to the appropriate medical care and resources.
Most callers report an annual household income of $25,000 or less and are between 18 and 29 years old, and approximately half of all callers identify as Hispanic and request a Spanish-speaking navigator. Hub staff are also available to speak French and Haitian Creole, and can engage translation services for other language needs. About 25 percent of callers are from out of state -- primarily Florida, Georgia and Texas, where abortion access is restricted.
The Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinics have provided 2,100 no-cost medication abortions since launching in January 2023. In 2024, more than 1,000 patients received medication abortions through the clinics. A majority of recipients are residents of high poverty neighborhoods, identify as Black or Latinx or are uninsured. In addition to offering medication abortion, clinicians offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraception counseling, and same-day birth control to support patients’ overall health. Walk-ins are accepted.
The agency also collaborates with independent organizations, providers and partners in government on best practices. In 2024, the city released the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Bill of Rights, outlining the protections for all patients seeking care in New York City.
In addition, NYC Health + Hospitals offers access to a full spectrum of medication and procedural abortion services at their 11 hospitals, offering abortion care throughout the first and second trimester. In 2024, NYC Health + Hospitals performed over 6,000 abortions, two thirds of which were medication abortions.
To add to their options, in October 2023, NYC Health + Hospitals launched telehealth abortion access through Virtual ExpressCare — becoming the first public health system in the nation to do so. Patients in New York City seeking abortion care can 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. Since its launch in October 2023, the service has provided nearly 2,000 virtual visits, mailed over 550 abortion kits, and referred over 750 patients for in-person care. The average wait time for a virtual visit is less than five minutes, and over 75 percent of the patients so far have identified as people of color.
Anyone seeking abortion services in New York City can call 1-877-NYC-AHUB Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visit NYC Health: Abortion for more information.
Patients can access H+H 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.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Vick / PressOffice@health.nyc.gov