Abortion Access Navigator Program

As Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY) continues to prepare for the influx of out of state patients seeking care, PPCWNY has created a new role for a community health care professional that focuses on the abortion patient’s need to access care on both an individual basis and at a systems level. This new position, Abortion Care Navigator, will relieve as much of the logistical and practical burdens from the patient as possible, creating a clear and smooth path to obtaining high-quality, patient-centered abortion care. The Abortion Care Navigator will work closely with health center staff, external health care providers, local and national abortion funds and other community organizations, external vendors, and volunteers. They will organize schedules and manage appointments for patients to ensure they receive services in a timely manner. The Abortion Care Navigator will assist in connecting patients with financial resources as needed, work with patients to identify other support services as needed and facilitate access to other services including transportation and lodging. Since the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe was announced, over 70 out-of-state patients have made appointments with PPCWNY. We are working hard to ensure we can meet the needs of these patients while we continue to serve those in our communities.