New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her state will issue $35 million of taxpayer funds to abortion providers in anticipation of Roe v. Wade‘s overturning by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gov. Hochul stated in a virtual news conference on Tuesday, May 10, “I will not watch idly by when rights for women across the entire nation are destroyed.”
At Gov. Hochul’s direction, the New York Department of Health will administer $25 million to increase healthcare capacity for abortion access. An additional $10 million will be granted to abortion clinics to be used for the purchase of cameras or the employment of security personnel.
Hochul’s plan generated immediate concerns about executive overreach.
State Legislator Michael Lawler said in a tweet, “Regardless of one’s position on the underlying issue, the idea the Governor can just magically appropriate funds without legislative approval is ridiculous.”
Regardless of one’s position on the underlying issue, the idea the Governor can just magically appropriate funds without legislative approval is ridiculous. https://t.co/kVOAVSe3k4
— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) May 10, 2022
Others are criticizing her on moral grounds, attacking the notion that New York taxpayers should provide money for abortions sought by out-of-staters.
Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, stated in a press release, “This is a grave misuse of state resources and an insult to millions of pro-life New Yorkers. Inviting women from out of state to come here to abort their unborn children is a breathtaking reminder of how far our culture has fallen.”
A bill currently being considered by the New York Legislature would also supplement Hochul’s efforts to protect abortion access. The proposed law would limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to work with their counterparts in other states on matters dealing with abortion, particularly in cases where states with more stringent abortion laws may be trying to inhibit or prosecute someone seeking an abortion in New York.
Another bill making the legislative rounds would compel insurance companies to cover abortion, defining it as a “reproductive healthcare service.” There is also discussion of setting up a $50 million taxpayer abortion fund to aid out-of-state women in paying for travel and expenditures associated with abortions conducted in New York City.
This renewed pro-abortion focus in New York follows the revelation of a draft Supreme Court ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade if enacted.
