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Catholics leaders and healthcare workers are criticizing the proposed elimination of state funding for a program that serves young and unwed mothers and their infants.

The $1.2 million appropriation for the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation (MECF) funded Community Maternity Services in Albany, a Catholic Charities agency, and 30 similar projects in communities and dioceses across the state.

Gov. David Paterson's 2010-2011 budget includes cuts across almost all state programs, and especially health and education, in an effort to close an $8 billion deficit. Critics say the maternity services appropriation is a relative pittance, but has a powerful impact on the lives of unborn children, mothers and infants.

"It's a small amount of money that does a lot of good," said Joy Griffith, executive director of MECF. "Last year we served 5,600 pregnant women, new parents and their families."

Half the clients are pregnant women, usually young and unmarried, she added. About 60 percent of the programs are Catholic-run. Community Maternity Services received $120,000. That paid for six caseworkers in seven rural counties where the need is high.

In legislative hearings, lobbyists for the New York State Catholic Conference, which lobbies for the state's bishops, urged lawmakers to restore the funds.

"The elimination of this funding will devastate a program that has proven to be cost-effective in promoting early prenatal care and healthy lifestyles for low-income pregnant and parenting mothers," said Ron Guglielmo, director for health care at the Catholic Conference.

He said the services actually saved public monies by preventing serious health problems, helping mothers to stay off welfare and keeping children out of foster care.

"Investing in programs like MECF will enhance the health, well-being and dignity of those served and save New York State in the long-term," Mr. Guglielmo continued. "We strongly urge the Legislature to restore the $1.2 million." Ms. Griffith asked Catholics to contact state legislators.

The foundation began in 1983 with backing from the Catholic Conference and Catholic Char-ities. Supporters argued to legislators that, since the state was spending millions for abortion services, it should at least support some alternatives to abortion, said Kathy Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the Catholic Conference.

Ever since, the state has renewed and increased funding from $300,000 in 1983 to $1.198 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The cut comes amid others that will affect the far-flung network of Catholic healthcare services. "Our preliminary estimate points to a loss of approximately $22 million in revenue for the state's 28 Catholic hospitals; approximately $19 million for our 52 nursing homes; and approximately $12 million for our home care agencies and programs," said Mr. Guglielmo.

He predicted drastic reductions in services if the proposed cuts went through.

(02/18/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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