The New York Junior League (NYJL) hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast at the historic Astor House on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and advocates to focus on this year’s advocacy theme: Access to Reproductive Care.

Council Member Julie Menin opened the program with remarks underscoring the urgent need to protect and expand access for New Yorkers. The conversation continued with a panel moderated by Sabrina Anderson, founder of Nyasha’s Promise, featuring:

• Chantal Alison-Kontoh, founder & executive director, Her Village
• Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
• Estelle M. Raboni, acting assistant commissioner & director, Sexual & Reproductive Health, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Additional elected officials in attendance included Keith Powers and Alex Bores.

What we heard

Panelists highlighted concrete gaps—and practical pathways forward:

• Childcare as economic infrastructure. Leaders emphasized that universal, affordable childcare is essential for family stability and the city’s labor force participation, noting the outsized impact on women’s employment and the broader economy.
• Funding pressures across the safety net. Reduced or constrained funding (e.g., Title X, Medicaid reimbursement) strains access to services, especially for young people and low-income New Yorkers.
• On-the-ground access and trust. Community-rooted organizations, culturally responsive care, and trauma-informed practices are critical to overcoming historic mistrust and real-world barriers like transportation, childcare, and time off work.
• Policy levers that don’t require new spending. Transparency around hospital services, strengthened privacy protections for health-related data, and closing legal gaps that threaten providers and patients can substantially improve access.
• Innovations that work. NYC Sexual Health Clinics providing free medication abortion and STI services, the NYC Abortion Access Hub, telehealth where appropriate, and evidence-based home-visiting programs were cited as high-impact approaches.
• Education saves lives. Comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education—including menstrual health literacy for all students—remains a cornerstone for prevention, health equity, and long-term outcomes.

“Access to reproductive care is fundamental to equity; and to the health and economic stability of New York families.” 

NYJL’s role and commitment

As NYJL approaches its 125th year, the City Advocates for Public Policy (CAPP) committee continues to convene partners, elevate evidence-based solutions, and champion policies that protect women, children, and families across New York.

Thank you to our partners and guests

We are grateful to our panelists, moderator, and participating officials; to our community partners who deliver critical services daily; and to NYJL volunteers and leaders who made this program possible.