What is the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program?
The Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program (RFEP) establishes sustainable funding for abortion providers and funds through the New York State Department of Health. The RFEP addresses barriers to care in New York State, including inadequate reimbursement rates for reproductive health care providers, staffing shortages, and the need for provider trainings, and abortion funds that are experiencing unprecedented demand.
NIRH Action Fund’s Role:
In partnership with the New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF), NIRH Action Fund has been instrumental in advocating to establish the RFEP. Through this collaboration, NIRH Action Fund and NYAAF helped secure $26 million for the RFEP the State’s 2025 budget, resulted with $1 million being allocated to abortion funds.
NIRH Action Fund engagements include:
- Lobbying: Actively lobbying to secure funding for the RFEP every budget year to secure funding for abortion providers and funds.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with NYAAF to highlight the gaps in abortion access and mobilizing community support for increased funding.
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