By Tiffany Williams –
The debate surrounding reproductive rights in the United States has become increasingly contentious, focusing particularly on the legality and accessibility of abortion. Central to this discussion are key themes of bodily autonomy, fetal viability, and deeply held moral and religious beliefs, which have contributed to a starkly polarized political landscape.
Advocates for abortion rights assert that bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, emphasizing that individuals should have the freedom to make informed decisions regarding their own reproductive health. They argue that the choice to terminate a pregnancy lies solely with the person who is pregnant, underscoring the importance of personal agency in matters of health and well-being.
Conversely, those who oppose abortion maintain that life begins at conception, deeming abortion morally unacceptable. They advocate for the protection of fetal life, believing that the rights of the unborn should be prioritized. This perspective is often rooted in various ethical, religious, and philosophical frameworks that influence individuals’ beliefs and values about when life begins.
This debate has been significantly influenced by landmark legal decisions, particularly the Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade in 1973, which recognized a constitutional right to abortion. The subsequent overturning of this decision in 2022 has left the determination of abortion laws to individual states, creating a patchwork of regulations that vary dramatically across the country.
On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City announced the launch of a new exhibit on March 14, 2025, led by the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS). This exhibit explores the history of reproductive rights in New York City, beginning in 1828 when abortion was criminalized. It traces the evolution of reproductive rights up to the present day, highlighting New York City’s status as a national leader in the ongoing fight for these rights.
Coinciding with Women’s History Month and the city’s 400th anniversary, the exhibit showcases historical documents, including court records, charts from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and photographs from locations where illegal abortions were performed. These artifacts tell the comprehensive story of New York City’s shift from viewing abortion as a criminal act to recognizing it as a right of access.
The exhibit will also reflect on the significant consequences of increasing penalties for providing or receiving abortions and birth control, which adversely affected women’s health. It will highlight the impact of New York’s 1970 law that decriminalized abortion, which set a precedent for other states and marked a pivotal moment in both local and national reproductive rights movements. Furthermore, it will address the Adams administration’s landmark Sexual and Reproductive Bill of Rights announced in February 2024, which further solidifies New York City’s commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights for its residents.
“For too long, women in need of reproductive health care were forced into the shadows, turning to dangerous alternatives to receive the support they needed. In New York City, we’re proud to be a beacon of light for all women seeking reproductive care and services,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to this exhibit, New Yorkers can trace and understand our history of reproductive rights — from the early, dark days of criminality to our status today as a national role model. This month, during Women’s History Month, and every month, our city stands with protecting, empowering, and leading on women’s health care.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public, scheduled to run from March 18 through April 30, 2025, at 31 Chambers, Room 103, New York, NY, from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
In January 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster access to reproductive care, Mayor Adams announced new initiatives designed to secure New York City’s position as a leader in accessible abortion care. These actions came in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of that pivotal ruling. Following this decision, the DOHMH launched the “Abortion Access Hub,” a dedicated hotline intended to connect individuals with licensed abortion providers throughout New York City. The Hub has successfully served over 9,000 callers since its inception in November 2022, with 25 percent of users coming from states where abortion is restricted or banned. Notably, 75 percent of these out-of-state callers hailed from Texas, Florida, or Georgia—states with stringent abortion limitations.
“As chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I commend the administration for shedding light on New York City’s complex history of reproductive rights,” said New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman. “This exhibit is a powerful reflection of our city’s journey—from criminalization to becoming a national leader in protecting abortion access—and a reminder of the ongoing fight to safeguard these rights. At a time when reproductive freedoms are under attack across the country, New York City remains a beacon of progress and a safe haven for those seeking care.”
In January 2023, New York City took a historic step by becoming the first city in the nation to offer medication abortion at no cost in public health clinics, ensuring that abortion care is fully integrated within its healthcare services. By October 2023, the city’s public hospital system became the first in the country to introduce telehealth services for medication abortions, making access more feasible for those unable to visit clinics in person or who might feel unsafe doing so.
Additionally, in response to the pressing need for gender equity, Mayor Adams introduced “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity” in the previous year, featuring a robust investment of over $43 million. This initiative aims to establish New York City as a national leader in gender equity, with specific focus on supporting transgender and gender-expansive individuals. The overarching goal is to position New York City as the most women-centric metropolis in the United States. Residents can access further information regarding this action plan and available city services through the re-launched website, women.nyc.
“As chair of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, I am proud to join Mayor Adams and DORIS in highlighting New York City’s history of reproductive rights,” said New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “This exhibit reminds us of the struggles and progress made, especially for women of color disproportionately affected by restrictive policies. As we mark Women’s History Month and the city’s 400th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and expanding reproductive healthcare. New York City has long been a leader in this fight, and we will continue to defend these fundamental rights.”
In December 2024, as part of the city’s grand celebrations for its 400th anniversary, Mayor Adams initiated “Founded By NYC,” a year-long initiative dedicated to honoring the city’s rich history and immeasurable contributions to society. This project, in collaboration with NYC Tourism + Conventions, will celebrate the historical milestones driven by the creativity and resilience of New York City’s diverse communities, with particular emphasis on the perspectives of marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, women, and people of color.