What is the Reproductive Health Act?

In a nutshell, the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) is a bill in the New York State Legislature that, if passed, would roll back much of the progress pro-life forces have fought long and hard for in New York since abortion was legalized here in 1970 (before Roe v. Wade was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973). 

Why should the RHA be opposed?

The RHA would:

• Make abortion a fundamental right in New York akin to core American freedoms like the freedom of speech.
• Harm or destroy the meager government-funded pro-life programs that already exist in New York.
• Allow any "health care professional" to perform an abortion, including non-doctors such as physicians' assistants and social workers.
• Allow late-term abortions to be performed in outpatient clinics.
• Lift any and all age restrictions on the obtainment of abortifacient drugs like the "morning-after pill."
• Jeopardize the licenses of pro-life physicians, hospitals, and employers in New York who refuse to perform, participate in, or fund abortion.

What is the status of the Reproductive Health Act?

A previous version of the RHA was introduced by former Governor Eliot Spitzer in 2007.  In 2009, pro-abortion advocates claimed that they had enough votes to pass the RHA in the New York State Senate, but alleged that the June 2009 Senate "coup" prevented them from doing so.  While APAC is not convinced that these statements are true, APAC is, nonetheless, very concerned about the RHA and very thankful that the bill has not become law.  As of this writing (March 2010), the bill is in committee in the State Senate. 

Equip yourself to effectively stand against the RHA.  Let your voice be heard!