Public Health’s Role in a Post-Dobbs World — The New York City Abortion Access Hub

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision has precipitated a public health crisis by restricting abortion access in 13 states, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This perspective highlights the New York City Abortion Access Hub, a pioneering public health initiative launched in November 2022 to address systemic barriers. The Hub serves as a centralized call center, offering confidential guidance, multilingual support, and connections to clinical care, financial aid, and logistical resources (e.g., transportation). Early data indicate 49% of callers identify as Black or Hispanic, 33% earn <$25,000 annually, and 19% are out of state (notably from Texas, Florida, and Georgia). By integrating abortion care into public health frameworks and collaborating with providers and advocacy networks, the Hub exemplifies a model for mitigating inequities and countering misinformation. The authors argue that public health agencies must transcend passive data collection to actively facilitate access, ensuring abortion is treated as essential health care.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision has precipitated a public health crisis by restricting abortion access in 13 states, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This perspective highlights the New York City Abortion Access Hub, a pioneering public health initiative launched in November 2022 to address systemic barriers. The Hub serves as a centralized call center, offering confidential guidance, multilingual support, and connections to clinical care, financial aid, and logistical resources (e.g., transportation). Early data indicate 49% of callers identify as Black or Hispanic, 33% earn <$25,000 annually, and 19% are out of state (notably from Texas, Florida, and Georgia). By integrating abortion care into public health frameworks and collaborating with providers and advocacy networks, the Hub exemplifies a model for mitigating inequities and countering misinformation. The authors argue that public health agencies must transcend passive data collection to actively facilitate access, ensuring abortion is treated as essential health care.