Statement From NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD on U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
Jun 24, 2022
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:
“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling restricting the reproductive rights of millions of Americans is a step backwards and a threat to public health.
Soon we will bear witness to the enormous consequences of this ruling and we must brace ourselves for the disproportionate impact it will have on disadvantaged communities, people of color, and people already experiencing barriers to accessing health care.
The potential for unsafe abortions, unwanted childbearing, and unmet health needs will also lead to lack of economic freedom and obstacles for young people trying to excel or pull themselves out of poverty.
But here in New York, NYC Health + Hospitals will continue to provide safe, legal, accessible abortion services to all who make this deeply personal choice.
We will do whatever it takes to accommodate patients from near and far. And we will take the necessary steps to protect the safety and security of our patients and the health care professionals who provide these services.
We are fortunate to live in a city and state that are equally committed to abortion rights and are strengthening protections for abortion providers.
As disappointed as I am in the Court’s ruling today, I also feel more determined than ever to fulfill the mission of our great public health system to care for all, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, and protect the fundamental rights and health of the people we serve.”