New York’s Extreme Abortion Bill May Not Get Vote, Will Play in Elections
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 8, 2008
Albany, NY (LifeNews.com) — The extreme bill in the New York legislature that would significantly expand unlimited abortions and remove any pro-life protections from state law may not get a vote this session. However, where state lawmakers stand on the bill will play a huge role in the upcoming elections.
Pro-life organizations have strongly opposed the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act because it would enshrine abortion in state law and overturn virtually every pro-life limit.
The measure would also force Catholic and other pro-life hospitals to change their policies and do abortions upon request.
In an interview with the Catholic Courier newspaper, Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the state’s Catholic Conference, says she doesn’t think the measure will get a vote in large part because the Republican-controlled Senate opposes it.
"All the signs are that this bill will not come up for a vote this year," she said.
Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, introduced a new version of the bill in march and it was sent to the Health Committee where it hasn’t moved since. Gallagher told the newspaper she planned to use a special parliamentary tactic to get the bill out of committee and on the Senate floor, but it appears to be going nowhere.
Gallagher also said the special election of pro-life Democrat Darrel Aubertine and the ascension of pro-abortion Democrat David Paterson’s to governor has given the pro-life side a two vote gain.
As a result of the legislative machinations keeping the bill at bay for now, the focus is on the upcoming elections.
Jessica Shanahan, president of New Yorkers for Parental Rights told the Courier newspaper, "We think it is going to play into the re-elections of some candidates."
Pro-life groups are telling voters to pay particular attention to where lawmakers and candidates stand on the bill and to vote accordingly.
