New York Democrats want taxpayers to fund abortions for out-of-state women including illegal migrants through a proposed state program costing tens of millions of dollars per year.
Triggered by the recent likelihood of abortions becoming illegal in the US, New York Democrats have envisioned a Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program that would cover medical costs and travel expenses as well as “childcare, lodging, lost wages and more” through nonprofits that would receive public money through the annual budget process, according to the legislative language.
Source: Center for American Progress (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
“That’s the goal of this bill – to ensure that everyone can get the care that they need no matter their [immigration] status or their socio-economic conditions, insurance status, all that,” Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens), said on Monday about the legislation she is sponsoring with state Sen. Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem). People living in New York, as well as out-of-state residents, would be eligible for the program.
In opposition to this proposed legislation, some legislators said there are better ways to spend approximately $50 million in annual funding. “We have so many of our own citizens that have critical health care needs that we should be focused on. For instance, we are witnessing an explosion of mental health issues, especially in our young people,” Assemblyman John Salka (R-Cooperstown) said in a text. “It’s outrageous. The taxpayers of the state of New York should not be subsidizing the performing of abortions for out-of-state women,” Salka said.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted his support for the legislation Monday following a press conference featuring state Attorney General Letitia James, who floated the idea for such a fund late last year, and other supporters of the bill.
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