Action Items

April 21, 2021
Pro-Life Update from Albany
 
The Pregnancy Center “Study” Bill (A5499/S470)
As of this morning, 2,593 persons have sent more than 5,200 messages through the CAN to their Senate and Assembly representatives in opposition to this bill. Thank you for sending the link out to your pro-life networks!
 
Crimes Against Pregnant Women and Infants (A5729/S2669, et al.)
Earlier this week we sent this new Bill Memorandum to all state lawmakers. The Memorandum supports four separate pending pieces of legislation meant to provide remedy for crimes against pregnant women and their unborn children. While we know that these bills will likely get no traction with the current composition of the state legislature, we think it is important to continually raise awareness of the issue and to be on record in support.
 
Physician-Assisted Suicide (A4321-A)
We have recently updated our Memorandum of Opposition to this legislation and have sent it to select members of the Health Committees in both houses. From now through the end of session, the NY Alliance Against Assisted Suicide will be sending weekly emails to all lawmakers to remind them of the opposition that continues around the state. As you may have seen, proponents of assisted suicide in states that have legalized it are now pushing to undo the supposed “safeguards” that the laws contain, see here.
 
Medicaid Coverage for Childbirth (S916/A3386)
This legislation would establish mandatory Medicaid coverage for hospital stays for 48 hours following natural childbirth and 96 hours following a cesarean birth. (Private health insurance plans are already required to cover these minimums.) The bill is currently advancing in the Senate and can be voted on by the full body next week. Our Support Memo is here.
 

The Catholic Action Network (CAN), an arm of the New York State Catholic Conference, gives us all a larger voice in the halls of government. Through their email and social media alerts, CAN reaches tens of thousands of Catholics like you to provide educational updates on the important issues being debated and to provide you with the tools to simplify the process of contacting your elected officials.
New York State Catholic Conference--Catholic Action Network: https://www.nyscatholic.org/action-center/

Visit the USCCB Action Center to view current action alerts and sign up for future alerts so that you can contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and opinions on upcoming legislation.
https://www.usccb.org/take-action

Every Thursday at 10p and Sunday at 10a, EWTN hosts the show, Pro-life weekly
watch episodes free here:https://www.ewtn.com/tv/shows/ewtn-pro-life-weekly

The U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities is excited to announce a year of service called Walking with Moms in Need. It begins March 25, 2020 on the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s landmark pro-life encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life).
 
You are essential to the success of this effort. Will you pledge to prayerfully support pregnant women in your community? (Your name and contact information will not be shared publicly.)
 
Clicking the pledge button below will enroll you to pray for pregnant and parenting moms via the monthly Pray for Life emails and also let us know you want to receive information on this nationwide effort. (9 Days for Life subscribers receive Pray for Life automatically, but not the information on Walking with Moms in Need.)
 
Thank you again for your prayers, and we hope you sign the pledge and invite your family and friends to do the same at www.walkingwithmoms.com!
 

                         A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers

O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.​ Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.

​Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.