Statement on Abortion Slush Fund in NYS Budget

Following is a statement by Kristen Curran, director of government relations for the New York State Catholic Conference on the inclusion of a $25 million so-called “Reproductive Freedom & Equity” grant program for abortion providers in the enacted 2024-25 New York State Budget:

"In a difficult budget year amid continued economic uncertainty, New York lawmakers still managed to find tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for abortion. While families struggle to put food on the table, the legislature and Governor are handing a windfall to Planned Parenthood. This newly enacted abortion slush fund provides $25 million to abortionists, as if the Governor’s recent unilateral allocation of $35 million wasn’t enough. The legislators behind the proposal only wish it went further, as they continue their quest to make New York an abortion tourism destination, where hotel and other travel expenses are included with taxpayer-funded abortions. As New York promotes and encourages abortion as the only choice for women, we imagine what these millions could do for struggling families, women in crisis, and hungry children.”

The Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.