Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani mark Dobbs anniversary with major expansion of New York City’s abortion access hub

Albany, New York – Four years after a landmark Supreme Court ruling reshaped reproductive healthcare access across the United States, New York leaders are marking the anniversary with a significant new investment aimed at helping more people obtain abortion care and related services.

Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a major expansion of the New York City Abortion Access Hub on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The move comes as many states continue to impose restrictions on abortion access, leaving patients searching for care beyond their home communities.

The initiative includes a combined investment of $495,000 from the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Officials say the funding will broaden the Hub’s referral network, allowing it to connect individuals not only with providers inside New York City but also with a larger network of abortion care organizations and support services throughout New York State.

The expansion is designed to ensure that people seeking reproductive healthcare can more easily locate providers, obtain information, and access assistance regardless of where they live.

“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,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our support, we are expanding the reach of this vital resource so more people have access to safe reproductive health care.”

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The announcement underscores New York’s continued efforts to position itself as a destination for reproductive healthcare access at a time when legal protections and service availability vary dramatically across the country.

Mayor Mamdani emphasized the broader impact of the Supreme Court ruling and the role New York has sought to play since it was issued.

“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. 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.”

The newly expanded program will strengthen the Hub’s ability to connect callers with a wider array of healthcare providers and organizations that help patients navigate the often-complex logistics involved in obtaining care. These services can include financial assistance, transportation arrangements, and temporary lodging for individuals who must travel significant distances.

According to state officials, New York’s annual contribution of $250,000 will specifically support coordination efforts with providers located outside New York City and organizations that assist patients with travel expenses and other costs associated with accessing abortion services.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the effort reflects New York’s ongoing commitment to reproductive healthcare protections.

“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. 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.”

Since the Dobbs decision, New York has directed substantial resources toward protecting reproductive healthcare access. Under Governor Hochul’s administration, millions of dollars have been allocated through programs such as the Supplemental Abortion Provider Support Program and the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Program. These initiatives have provided support to clinics and healthcare providers delivering abortion services and reproductive healthcare throughout the state.

Health officials say the Abortion Access Hub has become an important resource since it was first established in response to the Supreme Court ruling.

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The confidential hotline helps callers connect with abortion care providers and offers guidance on a range of related services. In addition to healthcare referrals, individuals can receive information about financial assistance programs, insurance enrollment opportunities, transportation support, and lodging options.

Usage figures released by city officials illustrate the demand for these services. Since opening, the Hub has responded to more than 10,400 phone calls and nearly 5,000 live chat inquiries. More than half of those seeking assistance have been looking for medication abortion services.

Notably, the Hub’s reach extends far beyond New York’s borders. Approximately one-quarter of all calls originate from outside the state. Among those out-of-state callers, the largest percentages come from Florida, Texas, and Georgia—states where abortion access has faced significant restrictions in recent years.

The data also paints a picture of the populations most frequently turning to the service. Roughly 60 percent of callers are younger than 30 years old. Nearly half identify as Latino, while almost one-quarter identify as Black. A majority report annual household incomes below $25,000, highlighting the financial challenges many patients face when seeking reproductive healthcare.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga noted that barriers to care often fall hardest on vulnerable communities.

“The importance of safe, accessible abortion care cannot be overstated, especially as states across the country continue to attack reproductive freedom. 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.”

The Hub also serves as a gateway to New York City’s Sexual Health Clinics, which provide additional reproductive healthcare services at no cost. Four clinic locations currently offer medication abortion services, contraception, and on-site pregnancy testing.

City officials report that more than 60 percent of patients visiting these clinics receive care on the same day. Services are available regardless of a patient’s immigration status or ability to pay, a policy that health leaders say helps remove common obstacles to treatment.

Beyond abortion-related care, the clinics provide birth control options, emergency contraception, pap smears, and iron level testing for individuals who may be candidates for medication abortion.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said the expansion reflects a shared commitment between city and state leaders to reduce barriers for patients 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. 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.”

With the new partnership now in place, officials expect the Abortion Access Hub to connect patients with an even broader statewide network of providers and support organizations. As debates over reproductive rights continue nationwide, New York leaders say the expansion represents both a practical investment in healthcare access and a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to protecting reproductive freedom for residents and visitors alike.