PHILADELPHIA, PA– FEBRUARY 6, 2019 – The Catholic Medical Association resolutely condemns the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), signed into New York law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in January—as well as “copy-cat” states which have introduced similar legislation to legalize abortions up to the moment of birth.
“The Catholic Medical Association, along with all people of goodwill, has always upheld the dignity and sanctity of human life. We have always been opposed to abortion in every form. The extending of the possibility of abortion to term of pregnancy is an egregious violation of the moral law that’s written in our hearts. The CMA strongly opposes and condemns this,” said Dr. John Schirger, President of CMA’s Board of Directors.
Under the RHA, any health care practitioner is permitted to perform an abortion—using his or her “professional judgment” if “the patient is within twenty-four weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, or there is an absence of fetal viability, or the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or health.”
Additionally, the RHA amends the state penal code, no longer classifying abortions after 24 weeks as a homicide.
Sadly, New York is not the only state to attempt to justify the legal murder of babies over the last several days. More states, including Virginia, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, have passed or are looking to pass similar legislation in the wake of New York’s RHA.
“There is nothing reproductive about this Act. It is an assault on the most vulnerable and healthiest in our state. As healthcare professionals who live and work in New York, we are appalled,” said Dr. John O’Brien, New York State Director for CMA.
“Anyone who has held a newborn must realize that this law allows any helpless baby to be murdered one minute prior to birth. Anyone who needs medical help must now question whether they will be the next group who is denied life-saving medical care in New York. Thank you to those representatives who tried to defend life,” added Dr. O’Brien.
The CMA is urging Catholics nationwide to contact their state lawmakers to express concern and demand action be taken to protect the lives of innocent babies.
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The Catholic Medical Association is a national, physician-led community of over 2,200 healthcare professionals consisting 104 local guilds. CMA’s mission is to inform, organize, and inspire its members, in steadfast fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church, to uphold the principles of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine.
Jill Blumenfeld
Communications Manager
Catholic Medical Association
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
C: 412-398-3011
W: 484-270-8002 x. 16
