New York Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced on Thursday that the state is investing USD 495,000 to expand the NYC Abortion Access Hub. The funds will help connect more individuals to abortion care, medication, transportation, lodging, and support services, regardless of where they live.
Mayor’s Statement on Abortion Rights
In a post on X, Mamdani stated, "Four years ago, the Supreme Court stripped away a fundamental Constitutional right and put abortion care out of reach for millions of Americans. Today, we're sending a different message. With New York State, we are investing $495,000 to expand the NYC Abortion Access Hub, connecting more people to abortion care, medication, transportation, lodging and support services, no matter where they live. Abortion is health care. Health care is a human right. We're protecting that right in New York City."
Legal Status of Abortion in New York
Abortion has been legal under New York State law since 1970, three years before the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion nationwide. Because the right is codified in New York State law, federal decisions to limit access to abortion will not impact New York State, according to the New York Government website.
Governor’s Efforts and Recent Developments
As abortion rights face challenges in certain states and at the federal level, Governor Kathy Hochul is working to preserve and strengthen these rights in New York. On April 7, 2023, two federal courts issued rulings regarding Mifepristone, a component of the medication abortion regimen. Medication abortion remains safe and available in New York State, as per the website. On June 13, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to keep medicated abortion available and accessible across America.
Constitutional Amendment and Access Details
In November 2024, voters approved Proposition One, an amendment to the New York Constitution that protects abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare. The amendment establishes constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex—including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy. These protections are in addition to existing protections against racial and religious discrimination already in New York's Constitution. The amendment went into effect on January 1, 2025.
Abortion Access by Gestation
In New York, individuals can obtain an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion is still available if the woman's health or pregnancy is at risk.
