Planned Parenthood NYC Cuts Abortion Services, Staff Outraged

Planned Parenthood NYC Cuts Abortion Services, Staff Outraged

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is facing financial challenges and has made the decision to cut back on some reproductive health services, including abortions after 20 weeks and deep sedation for procedures like abortion or IUD insertion. This decision has been met with outrage from staff, who argue that it will severely impact patients, particularly those seeking later-term abortions.

The Manhattan clinic, the only Planned Parenthood location in New York that offers abortions up to 24 weeks, will now only offer abortions up to 20 weeks. This change, which is set to take effect on September 3rd, has been attributed to budget shortfalls, including a failure by state lawmakers to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for medication abortion. More than half of PPGNY's patients rely on Medicaid.

Staff members have expressed their concern that the cuts will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including minors, sexual assault survivors, and people with PTSD and other mental health diagnoses. They highlight that deep sedation is often the preferred option for these patients.

The decision to cut back on services has also led to the closure of four health centers, including the only Planned Parenthood clinic in Staten Island. Staffers have signed a petition calling on PPGNY leadership to reverse the cuts.

PPGNY's CEO, Wendy Stark, acknowledges that the cuts are “heartbreaking” but cites “unprecedented challenges” facing the affiliate, including budget deficits of “well over $10 million”. She calls for state officials to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates.

The reduction of abortion services in New York comes at a time when access to abortion care is increasingly under threat across the country.