The National Institute for Reproductive Health, in partnership with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, hosted the national Urban Initiative for Reproductive Health Summit that brought together delegations of advocates and public officials from over 35 cities across the United States.

Over 220 participants attended the Summit and follow-up Strategy Meeting in New York City, including representatives from over 100 local advocacy organizations and approximately 100 local public officials. Public official attendees included nine Mayors, eleven senior policy staff members from Mayors’ offices, ten health commissioners, ten city council members, and eight county executives.

“Cites from across the nation and the world are coming together in New York to address the growing disparities in reproductive health and discuss public policy based on science, not ideology. Mayors share a common determination to produce results for their constituents and this Summit will draw attention to the progress cities across the nation are making in improving reproductive health for millions of women and families.”
- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

“Lawmakers continue to tout politics over science and real public health solutions. In this divisive political environment, it falls to municipal leaders to come together to push the envelope, to innovate, and to address the reality of reproductive and maternal health in urban and suburban America.”
- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom

“Mayors and city public health officials are pushing on all cylinders with proven strategies like aggressive outreach, free clinics, school-based health centers and mobile treatment teams despite federal financial setbacks and bureaucratic headaches. We are investing in what works, and I commend Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn for spearheading this dynamic initiative to unite our efforts.”
- Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon