New York Catholic Conference Push Back On Bill Proposing Study of Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers
Jul 30, 2020
The New York State Catholic Conference has released a memorandum of opposition to a bill that that would report on the state’s pro-life pregnancy centers, saying its wording shows an inherent bias against the centers.
Sponsored by Assembly Member Deborah Glick and Senator Brad Hoylman, the bill, A8218/S6311, aims to examine “the unmet health and resource needs facing pregnant women in New York and the impact of limited service pregnancy centers.” If the bill becomes law, the New York State Commissioner of Health will be authorized to conduct a study to determine whether pro-life pregnancy centers are “offering accurate, non-coercive health care information and timely access to a comprehensive range of reproductive and sexual health care services.” This would require pregnancy centers to disclose to prospective clients the services they do not provide, such as abortions, or face stiff penalties.
The Catholic Conference holds that the language in the bill suggests a bias before the study has been conducted. The conference stated, “By labeling pro-life pregnancy centers as ‘limited service pregnancy centers,’ it appears the intention of the bill is to intimidate, silence and shut down pro-life pregnancy centers.”
The legislation has passed through the Assembly, but no action has been taken on the companion bill in the Senate.
