Stringer proposes city abortion-access fund

New York City could become the first in the nation to directly fund abortions as other jurisdictions attempt to limit and even outright ban the procedures.

The city would put $250,000 toward an abortion-access fund in next year’s budget under a proposal from advocates and Comptroller Scott Stringer.

“Abortion access is under attack in this country, and New York City must lead the way in fighting back,” he said Wednesday in City Hall Park.

The $250,000 could help roughly 500 to 600 patients cover the cost of abortion care, matching the operating budget for the New York Abortion Access Fund. The fund helps anyone who can’t cover the full cost of the procedure, whether they live in the state or travel here for care.

“When you have the last few dollars in the bank … I want you to come to New York City and know there will be no financial barrier to a safe abortion and health care,” Stringer said.

In New York, Medicaid can cover abortion, but some don’t have insurance that pays for it, such as those with federal coverage. Others may earn too much for Medicaid and can’t afford insurance.

“The city relies on the labor of unpaid volunteers to close gaps, and that is not right,” said Caitlin Van Horn of the New York Abortion Access Fund.

Alabama’s governor on Wednesday signed a bill making the procedure at any stage of pregnancy a felony, except in cases when the woman’s health is at serious risk.

Ohio and Georgia governors signed bills banning abortions after doctors can detect a fetal heartbeat — usually at six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant.

Mississippi’s governor signed a bill banning most abortions after 15 weeks; a ban at as early as six weeks is nearing passage in Louisiana.

None of the bills are in effect, and abortions are still legal in those states.