New York City is banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with one doctor saying the new policy will “have a dramatic effect” on women.
The policy, which is expected to take effect in a few weeks, was unveiled in a letter to state health commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett on Friday, which has sparked outrage and protests in several cities, including New York and New York, New York’s biggest city.
“If you believe you have a medical problem that is not a pregnancy, and you’re going to be able to go to the hospital and have an abortion before you get to 20 weeks, then you should have the choice,” said Dr. Richard Sacks, a clinical fellow at NYU Langone Medical Center who specializes in fetal development.
“There’s a whole bunch of different reasons for that, but the real issue here is that the decision-making process that goes on in a clinic before the fetus is born, that’s what’s going to affect women,” Sacks said.
He said there are some women who may be unable to go ahead with abortions because of a preexisting medical condition.
He added that if they were to be induced, they could go ahead without a doctor’s supervision.
He is also skeptical about the argument that the state will save money by limiting abortion at 20 weeks.
“I’m not convinced that we’ll actually save a lot of money,” Saps said.
The New Jersey health department, which oversees the state’s health insurance, said in a statement that the health department is “reviewing the health care requirements that apply to all of New Jersey’s hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers to determine whether the policy is necessary to meet the health and safety needs of our patients.”
“We welcome all providers who have an interest in providing quality health care services, and will continue to work closely with the state to develop and implement a comprehensive plan that provides a safe, quality and affordable health care option for our patients,” the statement said.
A federal judge in New Jersey blocked the ban on Tuesday.
It is unclear if the ban in New York will go into effect immediately or if it will be phased in over time.
The state health department has been working with the New Jersey legislature on a policy change, a spokeswoman said.
