TESTIMONY
Testimony: Elise Panusa, Government Relations Manager at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, on Reproductive Health Services Post-Roe v. Wade
1:26:39
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3 min
Elise Panusa, representing Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, testifies about the challenges faced by patients seeking reproductive health services post-Roe v. Wade. With 26 states imposing severe abortion restrictions, PPGNY has hired patient navigators to assist those traveling to New York City. Panusa praises the New York City Council's actions to protect abortion providers and patients but calls for streamlined funding processes for vital support organizations. She also highlights an increase in anti-abortion protests, urging the council to explore solutions to ensure safe access to healthcare facilities.
Speaker 13
1:26:39
Good morning, everyone.
1:26:40
I'm trying to show my video about the it won't let me so I can just go ahead.
1:26:45
Good morning.
1:26:45
My name is Elise Panusa.
1:26:47
I am the government relations manager at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.
1:26:50
Thank you to the community chairs council member, Lewis, and Schulman, for holding us important hearing.
1:26:54
Addressing disparities in women's health.
1:26:56
PPGNY has been a leading provider of sexual reproductive health services in New York City for more than a 100 years conducting over 132,000 patient visits per year.
1:27:07
Since the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, 26 states have impose severe abortion restrictions.
1:27:13
We have listened as patients describe their journeys traveling across state lines to reach New York.
1:27:18
In response to the scotus decision, PPGNY has hired patient navigators to help individuals forced to travel to and living in New York City.
1:27:27
Secure the care they need from a trusted provider.
1:27:30
Pbgyny applauds the New York City Council for their legislative leadership to ensure every New Yorker and folks traveling to our state for reproductive health services receives the quality care they deserve without fear of financial burden.
1:27:43
This council has short up protections for abortion providers and patients in our city.
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We must continue to be the beacon of hope we aspire to be.
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We must continue to fund abortion act fund abortion access and the New York City abortion access hub through the city's budget.
1:27:57
Our recommendation to the council is to streamline the funding acquiring process to ensure vital organizations like New York abortion access fund and the Brigitte Alliance are receiving the resources they need to provide lifesaving support to patients in New York and across the country.
1:28:13
In the months since they're returning of Rovi Wade, our PPG My Health Centers have experience an increase in anti abortion protests.
1:28:19
Our Manhattan Health Center has experienced an exponential increase in protesters, which is a combination of members of the local church pro abortion clinic defenders, and the NYPD officers, including members of the strategic response group.
1:28:33
On the 1st Saturday, each month, New York City proved its anti abortion protesters to march from their church to our health center with police escorts.
1:28:41
Their procession concludes outside of PPGI's Manhattan Health Center or they engage in a ritual that is intended to shame patients or entry in leaving the health center for vital reproductive health services.
Speaker 0
1:28:53
Time expired.
Speaker 2
1:28:55
Oh, can
Speaker 13
1:28:56
I just I'm finished within 30 seconds?
Speaker 2
1:28:57
Yeah.
1:28:57
Just wrap
Speaker 1
1:28:58
it 30 seconds.
Speaker 13
1:28:59
Okay.
1:29:00
This attracts large crowds on either side of the issue leading to a dis disruption in patient care.
1:29:05
PBGI staff and patients and volunteers are regularly faced physical and verbal harassment by the anti abortion protesters.
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DBGY has been in regular communications with legislators, community partners, and the NYPD to uplift the concerns we have with patients.
1:29:22
Our recommendation to the council is to explore solutions to address this issue, and one pathway we recommend is for the council to explore the current event parade issuing process that allows the church group to march to the health center off with NYPD Escorts.
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Resolving this issue will be a critical step in New York being a true reproductive rights access date.
1:29:41
Won't show that New York City is living up to its value.
Speaker 1
1:29:43
Thank you so much.
Speaker 3
1:29:48
Thank you.
1:29:48
Lauren Shuster, you may begin once you are unmuted and the sergeant queues you.
Speaker 0
1:29:54
Starting time.