Sexual and Reproductive Justice (SRJ) - NYC Health

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Sexual and Reproductive Justice

Sexual and reproductive justice exists when all people have the power and resources to make healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality and reproduction. That means every person has the right to:

Choose to have or not have children.

Choose the conditions under which to give birth or create a family.

Care for their children with the necessary social support in a safe and healthy environment.

Control their own body and self-expression, free from any form of sexual or reproductive oppression.

The term "reproductive justice" was coined by a group of black women in 1994. From this group, a framework and SisterSong, a collective led by indigenous women and women of color, emerged.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Bill of Rights

In New York City, you have the right to access sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. You have these rights while you are in NYC, no matter where you live. Read on for the list of your sexual and reproductive health rights:

Bill of Rights

When seeking sexual and reproductive health services in NYC, you have the following rights:

To receive the following services without parental notification or consent:

Abortion, including medication abortion, which most insurance plans (including Medicaid) must cover and for which financial assistance may be available if you are uninsured or underinsured

Miscarriage management, including medication management of miscarriage

Birth control and emergency contraception, which most insurance plans (including Medicaid) must cover without any cost to patients

Sexual health care, including testing, treatment and prevention services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

Prenatal and postnatal care, which most insurance plans (including Medicaid) must cover

Care following trauma, including sexual violence and intimate partner violence

To be free from force, threats of force or physical obstruction when trying to obtain reproductive health care

To request information from your health care provider about sexual and reproductive health

To receive information about hospitals’ or birth centers’ childbirth practices and procedures when you are pregnant

To receive all the information you need to give informed consent for any nonemergency procedure or treatment, including information about risks and benefits

To choose or refuse any procedure or treatment

To choose who will make sexual and reproductive health care decisions for you if you are unable

To have privacy and confidentiality in your medical care

To be treated with consideration, respect and dignity in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints

To access sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, at NYC Sexual Health Clinics and NYC Health + Hospitals facilities if you are undocumented

To file a complaint about unlawful discrimination and harassment in employment based on your sexual and reproductive health care decisions, and harassment in employment, housing and places of public accommodation based on your gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other protected identity

This Bill of Rights is a critical part of NYC’s efforts to achieve sexual and reproductive justice for all New Yorkers. It does not create any new rights not already established in law and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact an attorney for further advice.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill of Rights (PDF)

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NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth

You have the right to respectful, safe and quality care during your birthing experience.

The NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth inform, educate and support people giving birth. These standards encourage you to know your rights and be an active decision-maker in your birthing experience. These standards are also helpful for providers, helping them respect and be aware of their patients’ rights during pregnancy, labor and childbirth.

The standards focus on six areas of respectful care: education, informed consent, decision making, quality of care, support and dignity and non-discrimination.

NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth Brochure (PDF)

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NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth Poster (PDF)

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NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth Companion Guide (PDF)

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NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth Provider Guide (PDF)

Maternal Care Information and Services

Breastfeeding: Resources for new parents and your breastfeeding rights

Doula Care: Resources for finding doula support and becoming a doula

Early Childhood Health and Development: Resources to help children get a strong start for a healthy life

Equity in Maternal Care: Information for providers on addressing the root causes of preventable racial and ethnic inequities in maternal outcomes

Infant Safe Sleep: Tips, educational materials and data on safe sleep

New Family Home Visits Initiative: Support, services and referrals for new and expectant parents

Sexual and Reproductive Care Information and Services

Abortion Services: Resources on abortion care, your abortion rights and connection to the NYC Abortion Access Hub (1-877-NYC-AHUB)

All-Options Talkline: Support for pregnant people who want to learn about their options, including continuing their pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption.

Birth Control (including emergency contraception): Education materials on birth control options and connection to services.

NYC Health Map: Location-based health services available by address, ZIP code or borough

New York City Sexual Health Clinics: Low- to no-cost sexual health services

Sexual Consent: Resources for teens, adults and educators on sexual consent

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Information for providers about sexual and reproductive health issues

Community Engagement Group

From 2015 to 2019, the NYC Health Department convened the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Community Engagement Group to organize activities encouraging all New Yorkers to safely express their sexuality and gender identity with dignity. View resources the group developed:

Sexual and Reproductive Justice video

Sexual and Reproductive Video Discussion Guide (PDF) [Español]

SRJ CEG Member Organizations (PDF)

Complaints

If you believe your right to informed consent has been violated, you should contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury. For help finding an attorney, call the New York City Bar Association's legal referral service at 212-626-7373.

If you believe you have been mistreated or denied care or services because of your gender, your pregnancy or any other protected category under the New York City Human Rights Law, you can file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights by calling 311.

Additional Resources

Support Your Whole Self While Pregnant (PDF)

Other Languages: Español |
Русский |
繁體中文 |
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Kreyòl ayisyen |
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বাংলা |
Italiano |
Polski |
العربية |
Français |
ײִדיש |
اردو

End Street Harassment: A New York City Resource Guide (PDF)

Sexual and Reproductive Justice Resource List (PDF)

Reproductive Health… Rights… Justice… How Do They Compare? (PDF)

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

Video: Akia's Story

Video: Jennifer's Story

Video: Makeda - A Doula's Perspective

Video: Helena - A Midwife's Perspective

Video: Race in Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

Poster: What Is a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean? (PDF)

Poster: Testimonials (PDF)

More Information

Sexual Health Clinics

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Information for Providers

Sexual Health

Sexual Consent

Abortion

Equity in Maternal Care