ALBANY – The state Senate passed a bill that would let New York women get so-called "morning after" pills without a prescription – sending the controversial issue to Gov. Pataki.
The Democratic-controlled Assembly already had approved the emergency contraception measure, but pro-choice advocates had been worried about the bill’s fate in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Senate GOP Leader Joe Bruno (R-Rensselaer), however, allowed it on the floor, and the bill passed 34-27.
Pataki aides said the governor would study the measure. Given his generally pro-choice record, advocates said they were hopeful he’ll sign it.
"This is a triumph of science over politics," said Kelly Conlin of the National Abortion Rights Action League.
The Catholic Conference, led by Edward Cardinal Egan, is vehemently opposed to the legislation, which it noted carries no age restriction for those who want to get the pills.
"The senators would authorize the use of young girls as guinea pigs," said Dennis Poust, Catholic Conference spokesman. [Source]
Surprisingly the headline for this article was "Abort pill bill heads to gov." Pray for Gov. Pataki that for once he might actually follow his Catholic faith.
3 comments
Pataki is pro-abort, so it’s doubtful that he will do the right thing. Still, we can pray.
what is the legitimate objection to this? On this one I do not see how RCs can object without seeming to impose a religious belief on others…..what is the LEGAL basis for objecting?
That it’s a bad idea to issue a cocktail of dangerous drugs to random women, without any input from a doctor or a prescription?
Many women have previously managed to kill or mangle themselves internally by taking abortifacient herbs. But now, they can do it with pills — and even greater false confidence — since they have the blessings of science and the loving permission of their state. After all, if it weren’t safe, the government wouldn’t let you take it, would it? And if you’re worried about whether it’ll work, why not take more than the recommended dose? It’s just an over the counter drug.
Whether or not you think fetuses are human lives, I guarantee this will be over-the-counter death for a lot of confused, desperate, ill-informed women. And that’s exactly the target audience for a “morning after pill”.