A controversial state bill that aims to ensure legalized abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy is scheduled to come up for a vote in front of the state Assembly Health Committee June 2, according to the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops in matters of public policy.
Kathleen M. Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the Catholic conference as well as its Catholic Advocacy Network, said the network sent an alert to members who live in the districts of Assembly members serving on the health committee.
The advocacy network said the Reproductive Health Act (A.6112/S.2844) would create a fundamental "right of privacy" in state law, and could make abortion immune from regulations such as parental notification when minors seek abortions or informed-consent requirements for pregnant women.
According to the advocacy network, the bill could force all hospitals to allow abortions, including religious hospitals and others whose mission statements oppose it; repeal current law that requires doctors to perform abortions, allowing other health-care practitioners to provide it; and compel doctors and nurses who oppose abortion to counsel for abortion and refer for abortion.
Because the bill declares that the state "may not discriminate" against the exercise of abortion in providing "benefits, facilities, services or information," it could also compel every institution licensed or funded by the state to support, cover and/or allow abortions, the network said.
Jann Armantrout, life-issues coordinator for the Diocese of Rochester, urged parishioners throughout the diocese to contact legislators about the bill, noting that it could have financial ramifications for the state.
"In our diocese, over 100 abortions already occur each week," she said in a statement about the bill. "Of these abortions, over one half are funded with state tax dollars through the Medicaid program."
Tags: Abortion, NY Catholics
