Health Equity Impact Assessments

Published on March 24th, 2023

Memorandum of Opposition

Re: A3113-A Clark / S3609-B Webb
Enhances the scope of health equity impact assessments to require consideration of reproductive health services and maternal health care

The above referenced legislation would require consideration of reproductive health services as part of health equity impact assessments. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this bill, which is another attempt to malign Catholic Hospitals.

The New York Legislature continues to insist that to address healthcare inequities, it must bring down Catholic Hospitals. This bill, and others like it, seek to publicly shame hospitals that do not provide abortion. This ongoing campaign does a disservice to patients that stand to benefit from the compassionate care provided at Catholic Hospitals.

New York has poured millions of dollars into abortion clinics and plans to do more. Abortion on demand is the law of the land. There is simply no need to legislate harm to Catholic Hospitals because of their religious and moral opposition to a procedure that is readily available elsewhere. The elimination of existing healthcare facilities hardly seems a solution to lack of access to care. We strongly urge you to reject this legislation.