Medicaid Coverage of Abortions in New York City: Costs and Benefits

Abstract

PIP: New York was among the first states to provide Medicaid financing of abortions for needy women. This was begun in July 1970 when the liberalized state abortion law took effect. Each year since, nearly 40% of the New York City abortion patients have been funded by Medicaid. There is evidence that Medicaid funding of abortions for indigent women has had a favorable impact on improving the health and welfare of these women. There are attempts nationwide to cut off or restrict Medicaid financing for abortions. Results of a cutback on funding will be 1) many septic and incomplete illegal abortions, 2) an increase of 10,000-15,000 births in New York City, and 3) added costs to federal, state, and local relief funds for delivery services, foster care, welfare payments, and day care facilities for these added births. Additional costs to government health and welfare organizations in the first year would be from 7-10 times what Medicaid coverage of abortions would cost.