April 19, 2024 at 12:12 p.m.

Statement from Bishop Scharfenberger on Local Law “D” Proposal in Albany County

Calls proposal a 'disgraceful attack on good people'

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger

Statement from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger on Local Law “D” Proposal in Albany County:

The proposal of Local Law “D,” which would force pro-life pregnancy centers to promote abortion, is the latest in a string of disgraceful attacks on good people doing good work in their communities.

In New York, abortion on demand and up until the moment of birth is the law of the land. Planned Parenthood is funded generously by the State, and women facing crises about their pregnancies are consistently steered towards abortion as their only option.

If our State was truly “pro-choice,” they would not seek to destroy all choices other than abortion by tearing down pro-life pregnancy centers. These centers meet women with grace, compassion, and support, and guide the way to networks that lift women up in their time of need. It should not be illegal to help women keep their babies.

We must do better to support the vulnerable, and Albany should know that support doesn’t have to mean pressuring women to end the life of their child.