NYSCC calls proposed abortion fund 'appalling'

The New York State Catholic Conference had called a proposal by Attorney General Letitia James and state lawmakers to create a fund to pay for abortions for out-of-state residents who come to New York for the procedure “appalling.”

“New York is the undisputed abortion capital of the country, where virtually no New Yorker has to pay for an abortion,” said Kristen E. Curran, director of government relations for the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s bishops in public policy matters. “Abortion coverage is mandated in all commercial insurance plans without any copays, and New York is one of the few states to use state taxpayer funds through Medicaid to provide full coverage for abortions.

“Now some officials want to make abortion a tourism industry, like Broadway or Niagara Falls, for out-of-state residents. This is appalling. We believe the state should focus on its own residents and making New York a more welcoming culture for women in crisis pregnancies who would choose to keep their babies if only they had the supports and resources they deserve."