January 23, 2019
ALBANY, NY – Statement From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano:
“I opposed the Reproductive Health Act for several reasons. First, it is more than a simple codification of Roe vs. Wade. In fact, it is an outright expansion of abortion in New York state. It would expand access to late-term abortions and allows for the termination of a pregnancy up until the exact moment of birth. It creates health risks for women by allowing an abortion to be performed by individuals who are not physicians. It eliminates the requirement that after the 12th week of pregnancy abortions are to be performed in a hospital, presenting potential serious health risks to women in the event of complications. It eliminates the requirement that two physicians be present to perform an abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy, creating even more health risks for the woman and her unborn child. In addition, shockingly, if a pregnant mother was assaulted and her unborn baby was killed, there would no longer be any criminal charges related to the killing of her baby. This new law is disappointing and was not necessary,” said Assemblyman Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning).
