Tell reps 'no' to abortion expansion

By The Catholic Free Press

If you called your state representative about abortion legislation last summer, it’s time to do it again. If you didn’t, you still have time.
With less than seven months remaining in the legislative session, the state’s bishops are asking Catholics to speak out again in opposition to proposed laws that would “dramatically expand abortion rights in Massachusetts.”
Through the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public policy office of the bishops, bulletin inserts are being provided to parishes for distribution this weekend. People are being asked to contact their state legislators and express their opposition to these bills which are now in the hands of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
The bishops made the same plea last June regarding two bills under consideration: House Bill 3320 and Senate Bill 1209, called the ROE Act.
The acronym ROE, which means an act to “remove obstacles and expand abortion access,” connects them with Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in all states. But, as Bishop McManus warned in a letter accompanying the bulletin insert, “If enacted into law, these proposals would significantly expand abortion access in Massachusetts well beyond what is currently permitted. To be clear, this legislation goes well beyond the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.”
The bishops said it is time to speak out again.
The legislative session will end on July 31.  
The bulletin insert states that, if enacted, the law would:
• Expand abortion access, including late-term abortions, during the nine months of pregnancy for virtually any reason.
• Eliminate the requirement that late-term abortions be performed in a hospital.
• Eliminate the requirement that provides medical care to a child who survives an abortion attempt.
• Eliminate the requirement that a minor under the age of 18 have the consent of a parent, guardian, or the courts.
• Expand state funding for women who cannot afford the procedure.

Marianne Luthin, director of the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston, said even some legislators who favor the right to choose abortion are troubled by the removal of the requirement that abortions after 24 weeks be performed in a hospital, leaving women in more danger. Allowing late-term abortions in non-hospital settings could mean babies die after failed abortion attempts if specialized life-saving equipment is unavailable, she noted in a session held in Worcester last July.
At the same meeting, James F. Driscoll, executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, said many people are disturbed by the fact that a minor could obtain an abortion without the consent of her parent, guardian, or the courts.
He suggested that people contact their senator and representative, identify themselves, politely say they oppose the abortion expansion legislation and explain why, in their own words. They can call, email or write to legislators or go to their local offices, and speak with aides if necessary.
The following local senators and representatives are listed among the sponsors and supporters of the abortion expansion bills.
Sen. Harriette L. Chandler of Worcester sponsored the Senate version of the bill, S.1209. Among the petitioners are: Sen. James B. Eldridge of the Middlesex and Worcester District towns of Harvard, Northborough, precinct 3, Southborough and Westborough; Sen. Michael O. Moore of Millbury in the Second Worcester District including the towns of Auburn, Grafton, parts of Northbridge and Worcester; and Joanne M. Comerford of Northampton in the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District including the town of Royalston. Sen. Eldridge is also chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
The House bill, H. 3320, has two sponsors and 100 co-sponsors, including: Rep. Stephan Hay of Fitchburg in the 3rd Worcester District; Rep. Natalie M. Higgins of Leominster in the 4th Worcester District; Rep. Brian W. Murray of Milford in the 10th Worcester District; Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr. of Clinton in the 12th Worcester District; John J. Mahoney of Worcester in the13th Worcester District; Rep. James J. O’Day of West Boylston in the 14th Worcester District; Rep. Mary Keefe of Worcester in the 15th Worcester District; Rep. Daniel M. Donahue of Worcester in the 16th Worcester District; and Rep. David LeBoeuf of Worcester in the 17th Worcester District.

How can your voice be heard AGAIN?

1. Contact your local senator and representative and let them know that you are opposed to H. 3320 and S. 1209 and that you are a voter in their district.  Also encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to take the same action.

An address- and zip-code-based link to your two legislators can be found at: https://malegislature.gov/StateHouse/Contact

2. Contact the members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary who will decide the fate of these bills. Let the committee members know that you oppose H. 3320 and S. 1209.

A link to the committee members can be found at:   https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J19

Those without computer access can call the Massachusetts Catholic Conference at 617-746-5630 for assistance.