Beginning on Sept. 3, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will temporarily pause "deep sedation" for patients - citing financial hardship preventing them from administering proper pain management.
In New York, women can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, women can still get an abortion if their health or pregnancy is at risk, according to ny.gov. At the Manhattan Health Center, however, that service is temporarily on hold. Planned Parenthood tells News 12 they use a contracted anesthesia vendor-- a vendor who provides pain management they utilize during certain procedures like abortions later in pregnancy . A spokesperson tells News 12, however, they are temporarily unable to cover those costs necessary to continue utilizing that vendor's services.
In a statement, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York said, "During this time of deep financial crisis, PPGNY simply cannot afford to contract anesthesiology services in Manhattan without sacrificing other essential patient services and community-centered programs throughout the state. Our physicians and nurses are committed to ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care using safe and effective minimal and moderate pain management options."
While deep sedation will temporarily be unavailable, Planned Parenthood says patients can still receive moderate sedation and local anesthesia.