Logan Reid
Abortion has been legal in New York since 1970, and the state has laws and policies in place to protect those seeking, receiving, and administering abortion care. Abortion services are available in hospitals and clinics, and financial assistance is also offered to those who need it. In addition, abortion pills can be prescribed by healthcare providers, and medication abortions are safe and effective, with a low risk of complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Abortion legality | Legal in New York since 1970 |
| Abortion access | Available through medication, abortion pill, and surgical procedures |
| Protected areas | Hospitals and medical facilities where immigration enforcement officials do not engage in enforcement activities |
| Financial assistance | Abortion funds, Medicaid, and insurance coverage options are available |
| Support services | New York City Abortion Access Hub provides confidential help with finding providers, scheduling, and transportation |
| Rights and protections | Age, gender identity, immigration status, and language rights are protected |
| Planned Parenthood | Manhattan clinic closure planned, impacting brick-and-mortar access |
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What You'll Learn
Abortion pills and medication abortion
In New York, medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill method, is a safe and effective way to terminate an early pregnancy. The abortion pill is a combination of two different prescription medicines, mifepristone and misoprostol, that work together to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to grow normally, while misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding, similar to a heavy, crampy period or an early miscarriage. This method has been used in the United States for over 20 years and is a very common way to have an abortion, with millions of people having used it safely.
The abortion pill method can be used within 10 weeks of the first day of a woman's last period. To initiate the process, a physical exam and questions about medical history are conducted by a healthcare provider. The provider will then prescribe the medicines, which are typically taken at home, although some providers may require the first pill, mifepristone, to be taken in their office before leaving. After taking the medication, the body will expel the pregnancy tissue, and most women experience moderate to heavy bleeding and cramping for several hours. It is important to note that misoprostol may cause nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting.
Following the procedure, physical recovery typically occurs within a few days, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding and mild cramping can be expected for a few days, and a normal menstrual period should return within 4 to 6 weeks. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and to use precautions to prevent pregnancy, especially during the first month after the abortion.
In New York, financial assistance is available for abortion services, and individuals can seek help from the New York City Abortion Access Hub, regardless of age or immigration status. This service helps individuals find abortion providers, schedule appointments, and provides support with transportation and lodging. Additionally, pregnant individuals in New York can qualify for Medicaid, which covers abortion care, regardless of their immigration status.
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Financial assistance and insurance coverage
New York State residents with Medicaid can go to any medical provider that accepts Medicaid and offers the services they need. If you have other types of health insurance, it is recommended that you contact your health insurer to find out what your plan covers, whether prior authorization is needed, or if there are specific providers your plan covers. If you are travelling from another state to New York for abortion care and have insurance, including Medicaid, you should contact your plan to see if they will cover out-of-network services and travel expenses.
If you are pregnant and live in New York, you may have health insurance options. New York State Medicaid will pay for the care received while pregnant, including abortion care. Pregnant New Yorkers can qualify for Medicaid at higher income levels and regardless of immigration status. To learn more or get connected to an enrolment counsellor to schedule an in-person or phone appointment, visit the Health Insurance page, text “CoveredNYC” (“SeguroNYC” in Spanish) to 55676, or fill out the Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance Inquiry form. Some medical offices can check if you qualify for Medicaid at the time of your appointment. If you qualify, they can also enrol you, with coverage starting the same day.
The New York City Abortion Access Hub provides confidential help in finding an abortion provider in New York City, scheduling an appointment, getting financial assistance, and finding transportation and lodging. This help is available regardless of age or immigration status. You do not need to live in New York City to contact the Abortion Access Hub or receive a referral. The Hub does not collect or record any identifying information. When you contact the Abortion Access Hub, you will be connected to a staff member who will ask you simple questions to assess how far along your pregnancy is, what type of abortion service you prefer, what borough you would like services in, and when. When you call, you will also be asked if you have health insurance and if you need financial assistance or help with lodging and transportation.
The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) provides funds for those who live in or are travelling to New York State. You can call 212-252-4757 or email [email protected] to get in touch. For those travelling to New York for abortion access, there are organisations available to help pay for travel expenses: The Brigid Alliance provides help with travel expenses, and the Haven Coalition provides help with overnight lodging for those travelling to NYC.
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Legal status and rights
Abortion has been legal in New York since 1970, three years before the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the United States. Abortion rights are currently under attack in certain states, but New York has passed laws to protect access to abortion. In 2019, the Reproductive Health Act was passed to safeguard reproductive rights in the state and ensure that abortion was a state law.
Even after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, New York reaffirmed the right to a safe and legal abortion for all pregnant people, including minors, transgender men, and non-binary people. People of all ages have the right to an abortion until the 24th week of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion is still permitted if a medical provider decides that the fetus is not viable, or if the procedure is necessary to protect the patient's life or health. Minors do not need parental permission to receive abortion care or other reproductive health services.
In New York, abortion is considered a personal decision, and no one should be pressured into having an abortion or be prevented from having one. No one can threaten, hurt, or intimidate a person for having or planning to have an abortion, or for using any other reproductive health service. Abortion funds are available to help pay for abortions, even for those without insurance or with concerns about their immigration status. Hospitals and medical facilities are protected areas where immigration enforcement officials do not engage in enforcement activities.
New Yorkers can qualify for Medicaid at higher income levels and regardless of immigration status, and Medicaid covers abortion care. All state-regulated private health insurance plans that offer maternity coverage must also provide coverage for abortion. New York City's Abortion Access Hub provides confidential help with finding a provider, scheduling appointments, and accessing financial assistance, transportation, and lodging.
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In-person and telehealth services
Abortion has been legal in New York State since 1970, and federal decisions to limit access to abortion do not impact the state. People seeking, receiving, and administering abortion care in New York are protected by law. Abortion care is available regardless of age, gender identity, and immigration status, and without the need for insurance. Minors can receive sexual health services, including abortion, without parental permission or knowledge. Abortion services are also available in a patient's preferred language, including through interpreter services.
In-person services are available at abortion clinics and hospitals in New York. All Women's Medical of New York is an example of an abortion clinic with licensed, board-certified gynecologists and trained staff who provide confidential care. Mount Sinai is a hospital in New York that provides medication abortions. Medication abortions are very safe and involve taking a combination of two prescription hormone medicines, mifepristone and misoprostol, to help the body expel the fetus and placenta tissue. This type of abortion is available within 11 weeks of the first day of the last period. Patients can expect vaginal bleeding and mild cramping for a few days after the procedure and should follow activity guidelines such as resting and avoiding vigorous activity.
Planned Parenthood also provides in-person abortion services in New York, although their Manhattan clinic, the first in the U.S., is currently listed for sale. Patients who previously relied on this clinic may now be diverted to health centers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.
In addition to in-person services, telehealth abortion services are available in New York. The New York City Abortion Access Hub provides confidential help in finding an abortion provider, scheduling appointments, and accessing financial assistance and lodging. This service is available to people regardless of age or immigration status, and they do not need to live in New York City to use it.
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Surgical abortion
In the first trimester, suction aspiration abortion can be performed in a one-day procedure if less than 14 weeks have passed since the first day of the last menstrual period. The entire visit will typically take around three hours if the patient is less than 12 weeks pregnant, and five to six hours if they are between 12 and 14 weeks pregnant. Patients are advised to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure.
For abortions in the second trimester, from 13 to 24 weeks gestation, the procedure is called 'dilatation and evacuation' (D&E). This procedure is similar to the first-trimester abortion but may involve additional instruments and steps to prepare the cervix. Hormone-blocking tablets, such as misoprostol, may be administered to soften the cervix, and mifepristone may be used to prepare the cervix in some cases. A special device may also be inserted into the cervix to help it widen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, abortion has been legal under New York State law since 1970, which was three years before the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the country.
Yes, there are multiple independent clinics and hospitals in New York City that provide abortions.
Abortion clinics in New York include Planned Parenthood and All Women's Medical of New York.
People seeking, receiving, and administering abortion care in New York are protected by laws and policies. Abortion is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender identity, and immigration status. Minors can receive abortion care without parental permission or knowledge.
New York State Medicaid covers abortion care. Abortion funds can also help pay for abortions even if you do not have insurance, and they do not ask for immigration status.
