Supporting Abortion Access Through a Patient Navigator Program in a Large Public Health Care System: Bridging the Gap

Abstract

A patient navigator was established at NYC Health + Hospitals in June 2022 to reduce nonmedical barriers to abortion care. Between June 2022 and December 2024, the navigator received 722 referrals and coordinated care for 195 patients across 11 facilities. More than half (56%) were beyond 14 weeks gestation; 36% traveled from out of state, primarily Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The navigator coordinated $195 848 in medical cost funding. Patient navigation effectively addresses barriers to abortion access, particularly for second-trimester patients and out-of-state patients.