"Abortion Tourism"

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"Abortion Tourism"

January 21, 2025

Memorandum of Opposition

Re: S135 Cleare / A2137 González-Rojas
Provides practical support for access to abortion 

The above-referenced bill would amend the so-called “reproductive freedom and equity grant program,” which is little more than a slush fund for the abortion industry, to provide “practical support” to women seeking abortions. The bill defines practical support as “including, but not limited to, reimbursement for ground and air transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, and doula support." This outrageous legislation is seriously out of step with the myriad concerns of New Yorkers of all political persuasions, such as affordability, public safety, access to mental health care, and a fleeing tax base, and the New York State Catholic Conference strongly opposes it. 

Since 2019, abortion up until the moment of birth has been legal in New York. For lawmakers who run campaigns centered on the issue, and use it to score political points, that is not enough. In the six years since, the legislature and Governor have funneled millions of dollars into the abortion industry, attacked the good work of pro-life organizations, promoted and celebrated abortion, and held abortion up as the best and only choice for women. 

As they can’t become any more radical on the issue than they already have, the legislature must now become creative in their quest to make New York the most pro-abortion state in the country. That brings us to this bill: a measure to essentially pay women to get abortions. To continue promoting this abortion tourism as New Yorkers are struggling to afford groceries is shocking and, frankly, tone deaf. 

New York is facing an affordability crisis and a maternal and infant mortality crisis. Rather than pay women to get abortions, we should direct precious resources toward struggling families. We should walk with women in crisis situations and ensure they can carry their babies to term, safely deliver them, and raise them in healthy, safe environments. For our part, we will continue walking with moms in need and supporting the work of those serving the needy and vulnerable. We encourage the legislature to join us, and to reject this legislation.