Health and Reproductive Justice

The Commission on Gender Equity (CGE) works toward a New York City free from gender- and race-based health disparities. A healthy city is one where everyone has access to the information they need to make healthcare decisions and where everyone can access and afford preventive care and treatment.

But cisgender women and transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) individuals, particularly those of color, face barriers to accessing and affording healthcare, especially sexual and reproductive healthcare. TGNCNBI individuals also face barriers to accessing and affording gender affirming care.

The Adams Administration created a comprehensive Women’s Health Agenda to dismantle systemic health inequities that negatively affect the health of NYC women. In 2023, Mayor Adams hosted the first-ever government-led Women’s Health Summit, which brought together over 100 experts from across healthcare sectors. The Summit focused on four key areas: birth equity, chronic disease, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.

As part of the Women’s Health Agenda, the Mayor’s Office of Equity (MOE), the Department of Education (DOE), and CGE are co-leading the reconvening of the Sexual Health Education Task Force. CGE will also continue to convene city agencies for the Menstrual Equity Workgroup to address menstrual inequity and period poverty in New York City.