Radical Solidarity

Published on February 16th, 2023

A Pro-Life, Pro-Woman Legislative Agenda for New York

To be truly pro-life is to care for people from life’s beginning to its natural end. Moms and babies deserve the full support of society not just to survive, but to thrive. As New York continues to prioritize only one choice for vulnerable women, we offer a different vision. True choice exists when women, mothers, children, and families are supported. We stand in radical solidarity with moms and their children through the following pro-life agenda:

► Prenatal Care and Maternal Health

The United States has a shockingly high maternal mortality rate, and New York is no exception. The numbers are even higher for women of color. Reversing these unacceptable statistics must be a priority for New York State. Women must be supported with comprehensive prenatal care and a focus on maternal health both during and after pregnancy.

► Empire State Child Tax Credit

New York State should make it easier to raise children through initiatives such as the Empire State Child Tax Credit. Currently, the credit is available for parents of children ages 4-17. It should be expanded to start at birth. It should also be made more generous and fully refundable. Easing economic burdens is an important way to support children and families.

► Adoption Tax Credit

It is a noble and blessed gift for a woman to carry a baby to term, and society must do all it can to support the choice of adoption. The process should be incentivized on both ends so that all parties are supported. Adoption tax credits are one way to do this.

► Childcare Expansion

Parents should be able to work to support their families and know that their young children are cared for. Affordable childcare is a critical part of a true pro-life agenda and must be expanded in New York to make raising children less burdensome.

► Educational Options

Parents need access to the schools and educational programs that best meet the needs of their children. New York should assist families with the cost of tuition at private and public schools; expand access to all public and private Universal Pre-K settings statewide, regardless of income; and ensure that children have needed transportation services to the school their family chooses.

► Affordable Housing

Housing is a human right. We must provide a safety net for the vulnerable to ensure that no one, especially mothers and children, become homeless. The expansion of affordable housing is crucial to showing solidarity with moms and babies across the state.

► Domestic Violence Issues

Pregnancy increases a woman’s chances of becoming a victim of domestic violence. Through prevention and support, New York must aid victims and vulnerable women so that they and their children are safe and cared for.

► Nutrition

New York should help struggling families by improving state-level outreach and education efforts related to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and expanding the federal School Lunch Program to provide universal free school meals to all children.

► Paid Parental Leave

New parents must have ample opportunity to bond with their newborn, adopted, or foster children. Paid parental leave should be expanded so that parents are not forced to choose between their career and the well-being of their children.

Printable PDF for parish distribution in English HERE.