New York prepares to welcome out-of-state abortion seekers

New York braces for abortion tourism as officials and activists prepare to welcome women from out of state following the Supreme Court’s decision Friday to eliminate the constitutional right to abortion.

“The right to abortion is enshrined in law in New York – including those from out of state,” tweeted Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine on Saturday. “There are growing options for accessing abortion services here, including via medication.”

Levine included information on several services for those seeking out-of-state abortions, including links to websites of nonprofit organizations such as the Brigid Alliance, a referral service which provides accommodation, food and funding to abortion seekers outside of New York.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, which operates 23 centers statewide, said it was increasing appointment availability by 20% in the wake of the Roe v. Wade Friday.

“Banning abortion does not remove the need for people to access abortion. We believe that all people – no matter where they live – should have the right to control their own bodies, lives and futures,” said Joy Calloway, Acting President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater. New York, in a press release. “It is unacceptable that people in some states have been denied this right, forced to overcome unfair barriers to access the abortion care they need and deserve.

Get the latest updates from The Post following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Elected officials had anticipated the eventuality that the Supreme Court would overrule Roe v. Wade, and last month announced a slew of funding and new measures to accommodate out-of-state abortion seekers.

State Attorney General Letitia James last month pledged to set aside $50 million to help women get abortions. A portion of these funds will be used for women arriving in New York from other states where the procedures are illegal. In 2019, 9%, or about 7,000, of abortions performed in New York City were from out-of-state people, according to James’ office. She said that number could grow exponentially, up to 32,000, following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Mayor Eric Adams welcomed women seeking abortions to New York, where the city has provided $250,000 a year for abortions since 2019.

“To those seeking abortions nationwide: Please know that you are welcome here and that we will do everything we can to make our reproductive services available and easily accessible,” Adams said in a statement. “This city will continue to respect, protect and fulfill the fundamental principles of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and to essential, quality health care for those seeking access to abortion.”

On Friday, after the decision was announced, Governor Kathy Hochul said the state was “a safe haven” for women seeking abortions. Hochul announced an ad campaign and new additions to a website that would help women in New York and across the country get information about abortions.

“It’s disgusting on every level,” Hochul said.