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The following is a statement from Kristen Curran, director of government relations for the New York State Catholic Conference, on the anticipated passage on July 1 of legislation to begin the process of amending the state Constitution to include abortion rights:

"Unfortunately, this bill solidifies the message that New York has been sending women for some time now: Abortion is positive, empowering and the key to success. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Women, children, and their families deserve support and compassion. Baby formula is scarce, raising a family is unaffordable, and the fallout from the pandemic continues to take its toll. New York State should be pouring resources into helping women and families, not promoting abortion through limitless funding, advertisements and splashy legislation.

"Our elected officials should stop promoting abortion as a woman’s best and only choice, and focus instead on true support for women, children and families.”

In order for the amendment to become law, the bill must pass two successive legislatures and be put before the voters in a referendum. The Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.

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