Today, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which sharply restricted access to abortion nationwide, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York State Department of Health are investing $495,000 to expand the New York City Abortion Access Hub's referral network.
The expansion will allow the Hub to connect callers with a broader network of abortion providers and support organizations outside the five boroughs, helping more people access reproductive health care regardless of where they live.
"Four years ago, the disastrous Dobbs decision stripped away a fundamental right and put reproductive health care out of reach for millions of Americans across this country," said Mayor Mamdani. "Since then, New York has led the fight to protect abortion care. On this anniversary, we are expanding the successful Abortion Access Hub so that anyone seeking care can more easily find it. Together with New York State, we are strengthening a lifeline that connects people to abortion care, medication, transportation, lodging and support. Because abortion is health care. And health care is a human right."
"As we commemorate four years since the Supreme Court's disastrous Dobbs decision, New York is sending a clear message to the rest of the country: We're not going to let Washington Republicans take us backwards," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "Thanks to our support, we are expanding the reach of this vital resource so more people have access to safe reproductive health care."
"The importance of safe, accessible abortion care cannot be overstated, especially as states across the country continue to attack reproductive freedom," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. "The people most harmed by these restrictions are often those already facing the greatest barriers to care - including low-income communities and communities of color. This expansion will help ensure that thousands more people can access the services they need with dignity and support."
"New York State will continue to fight to protect access to abortion care and reproductive healthcare for anyone in need of these vital services, despite ongoing politically motivated efforts to remove these hard-fought rights," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "Our partnership with New York City and the expansion of the Abortion Access Hub enables New York State to further protect these fundamental rights and remain a safe harbor for anyone seeking care."
"Reproductive healthcare remains under attack across the country, but New York City and State are unwavering in our commitment to protecting and uplifting access to care for anyone in need," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. "Despite robust protections, too many people still face barriers to care. On the anniversary of the Supreme Court's disastrous Dobbs decision, I'm proud to work with our partners across the state to reduce the burden for more New Yorkers."
New York State's annual investment of $220,000 will support the Hub's coordination with abortion providers outside New York City and organizations that assist patients with travel, financial support and lodging associated with obtaining care.
NYC Abortion Access Hub
The NYC Abortion Access Hub is a confidential hotline that connects callers to abortion care and related services, including financial assistance, insurance enrollment, transportation and lodging. The Hub was launched in response to the Dobbs decision.
Since its launch, the Hub has answered more than 10,400 calls and nearly 5,000 live chat messages. More than half of callers seek medication abortion services, while one-quarter of calls come from outside New York state. Among out-of-state callers, the largest shares come from Florida (35%), Texas (27%) and Georgia (15%), where abortion access is heavily restricted.
Most callers are younger than 30 years old (60%). Nearly half identify as Latino (47%), nearly one-quarter identify as Black (24%), and most report annual household incomes below $25,000 (59%).
NYC Sexual Health Clinics
In addition to direct referrals to independent providers, the Hub connects callers to NYC Sexual Health Clinics, which offer no-cost medication abortion, contraception and on-site pregnancy testing at four sites. More than 60% of clinic patients receive same-day care, and services are provided regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Additional services offered by the clinics include birth control, emergency contraception, pap smears, and onsite iron level teats for potential medication abortion patients.
The new partnership between City and State health departments will allow the Hub to engage a broader network of providers and expand referral options statewide.
Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of facility-based obstetric and gynecologic services, including abortion care. In 2025, they announced a $10.7 million grant from the New York State Abortion Access Program to support abortion care - including hiring abortion care providers and navigators, purchasing new equipment and supplies, access to abortion doulas, and financial supports - at its 11 hospitals over three years.
Under Gov. Kathy Hochul's leadership, New York State has authorized millions of dollars to protect and expand access to reproductive health care. Through the Supplemental Abortion Provider Support Program and the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Program, the state has provided funding to clinics and providers offering abortion and reproductive health services across New York.
For connection to resources or help accessing abortion services, call 877-NYC-AHUB. Appointments for abortion services can be made by calling the NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline at 347-396-7959.
