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RHAPP Bill Bulletin Notices

Bishop Clark's Column

New Yorker's for Parental Rights

New York State Catholic Conference Resources

In April 2007, the US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of legal bans on partial birth abortion.  The Court affirmed that the state has an interest in protecting the life of a fetus from the inception of pregnancy; that the law does not give abortion doctors unfettered choice in their practices, nor is their status elevated above other physicians; that Congressional interest in the protection of medical ethics is appropriate; and that partial birth abortion coarsens society to the humanity of all vulnerable human life.

Governor Elliot Spitzer immediately introduced Program Bill #16 intended to “statutorily affirm abortion rights” in New York State.  The bill modifies Public Health Law to disregard fetal   viability; modifies who may perform an abortion and in what setting; lifts age restrictions on  the sale of contraceptives; and withholds legal recognition for unborn victims of violence, among other provisions.   This is contrary to public opinion; in a March 2007, New York Times/CBS News poll, 64% of nationwide    respondents indicated that abortion should have either stricter limits, or should not be permitted.

The submission of Governor Spitzer’s program bill calls the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester to become educated and   expressive about public policies with far reaching consequences for unborn children, the parenting population, medical providers, health care institutions and taxpayers. The scope of the Governor’s proposal suggests that timely advocacy efforts on this issue are of extreme importance.

Educational materials may be requested and parish education presentations scheduled by contacting Jann K. Armantrout, Diocesan Life Issues Coordinator, at (585) 328 3210 or e-mail Armantrout@dor.org.