After reports that Planned Parenthood will no longer provide abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy at its New York City location due to funding challenges, the New York State Catholic Conference is asking what has happened to the $35 million Governor Kathy Hochul allocated in 2022 to subsidize abortion clinics throughout the state.
The news of Planned Parenthood’s decision was first reported by the New York Times on August 7. According to the report, Planned Parenthood will also close four clinics across the state for the same reason, including its sole clinic on Staten Island.
Governor Hochul announced the $35 million allocation in May, 2022. In the announcement, Hochul’s office said that the allocation would put $25 million to expand abortion provider capacity and ensure access for patients seeking abortion care in New York. The other $10 million was slated to go towards security grants to help ensure the safety of providers and patients.
Hochul touted the decision at the time as part of her commitment to “never stop fighting to make New York a safe harbor for all who need care and a blueprint for other states to follow.” Hochul’s office did not respond to a Crux request for comment on the Planned Parenthood changes.
