NYC Health + Hospitals on Monday said its telehealth abortion service recorded over 2,700 virtual abortion care visits in its first year of operation.
In addition, the hospital mailed more than 800 medication abortion kits and made 1,050 patient referrals for in-person care through its Virtual ExpressCare service, the hospital said through a press release.
The service allows New Yorkers seeking abortion care to consult with licensed health professionals via phone or video for assessment, counseling, and, if eligible, medication access. (Medication is only sent to city addresses.)
The service, only for New York City residents, is available seven days a week from 9:00am to 9:00pm. Over 75% of the patients who used the service identify as people of color, the press release said.
“Since the Dobbs decision, New York City has stood up to protect and defend reproductive rights and make care accessible to all in need," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. "NYC Health + Hospitals’ Virtual ExpressCare has helped tens of thousands of people in need of care connect with a medical provider. We will continue to make reproductive health care services available and accessible for all."
The service, available in over 200 languages to ensure accessibility, supports patients up to 10 weeks into pregnancy.
“We’re proud of the impact our telehealth abortion service has made in its first year, providing safe and accessible care to underserved communities,” said Erfan Karim, MPH, Executive Director of NYC Health + Hospitals Virtual ExpressCare.
Telehealth is a service of Virtual Express Care, providing virtual support for physical and behavioral health issues, including COVID-19, minor injuries, anxiety and substance use concerns.
“Health care is a human right and that includes reproductive health care,” said Williams-Isom.
