NYC leaders celebrate Supreme Court's decision to safeguard abortion pill access

New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom, DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, and NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Mitchell Katz, have praised a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upholds access to the abortion pill mifepristone.

This decision in the case of Food and Drug Administration et al. v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al. marks a significant victory against efforts to restrict reproductive rights.

“Since the Supreme Court’s decision to revoke the constitutional right to abortion two years ago, extremists have persistently attacked reproductive freedoms,” Mayor Adams stated.

“Reproductive care is health care, and today’s ruling halts those seeking to control people’s bodies and choices. New York City remains committed to providing essential abortion care, whether through free medications at local clinics, telehealth services, or in-person care at our public hospitals. We must now work to codify these rights into federal law.”

Deputy Mayor Williams-Isom echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the city’s unwavering commitment to reproductive health. “Health care is a human right, including reproductive care. While we celebrate today’s ruling, we recognize that future challenges to reproductive rights are inevitable. Our health systems will continue to provide and protect these services.”

Dr. Vasan reinforced the importance of abortion as safe and effective health care, underscoring the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure access. “The Supreme Court made the right decision today. In New York City, we remain dedicated to providing health care as a human right, ensuring that abortion services are always available.”

Mitchell Katz highlighted the critical role of NYC Health + Hospitals in supporting reproductive freedom. “Today’s ruling preserves access to mifepristone, a key medication for abortion and miscarriage management. Our patients will continue to receive safe, evidence-based reproductive care.”

In the wake of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which dismantled the federal right to abortion, New York City has bolstered its services to safeguard local access to reproductive care. The NYC Abortion Access Hub, launched in November 2022, has connected thousands to necessary services. Moreover, in August 2022, Mayor Adams signed legislation enabling free access to medication abortion at DOHMH clinics.

New York City has also pioneered telehealth abortion services. In October 2023, NYC Health + Hospitals became the first public health system in the nation to offer on-demand telehealth abortion care through Virtual ExpressCare. Patients can consult with licensed professionals via video or phone, receive counseling, and, if appropriate, get a medication abortion kit delivered within days.

Additionally, the “Women Forward NYC” initiative, launched in January 2024, aims to make New York City a national leader in gender equity with a $43 million investment. This plan addresses gender disparities, promotes professional development, dismantles barriers to health care, and provides support for survivors of gender-based violence.

For those in need of abortion services, referrals are available through the NYC Abortion Access Hub at 877-NYC-AHUB (877-692-2482). A new chat feature offers a convenient way to start the conversation. More information on the city’s abortion services is available online.

New York City’s leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring comprehensive access to abortion care, standing as a beacon of support amidst ongoing national debates.