Archdiocesan Public Policy Office
The Archdiocese of New York’s Public Policy Office works to promote the cause of human life and family life on national and state levels. Its mission is to transform our society in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information on current public policy issues click here.
Catholic Action Network
The most effective tool we have to influence our state legislators is the Catholic Action Network. The network was established by the Bishops of New York State to provide Catholics with a modern, effective way to contact their representatives about issues of concern to the Church. It uses the convenience of email to alert you of important issues that are before our State Legislature, and lets you lobby your legislators from your own home, with just a few clicks.
Join the Catholic Action Network
New York Policy Issues
Assisted Suicide Legislation in New York
Sorrowfully, assisted suicide has been legalized in New York. Although often presented as a “compassionate choice,” using medication to end life is a grave affront to the dignity of the person. Those suffering from terminal illness or nearing the end of their lives instead need to be met with true compassion – a commitment to authentic care, symptom management and radical solidarity. We are called to surround them with love, communicating their irreplaceable dignity and eternal worth.
Learn More: Visit our End of Life Page for resources to help you and your loved ones plan for and enter into this stage of life with peace.
Reproductive Health Act (RHA)
Since 2019, the Reproductive Health Act has been in effect in New York State. This legislation, which made abortion a “fundamental right,” has had devastating consequences for the unborn and their mothers. The RHA allows abortions for virtually any reason in the third trimester of pregnancy – when a child is viable in the womb. The bill also permits non-doctors to perform abortions, and repeals protections for babies that are accidentally born alive during an abortion. Learn more about the law below.
While the RHA is certainly devastating to the unborn child, it also fails to protect women from manipulation, exploitation, sub-standard healthcare, and domestic violence. It removed abortion from the state’s penal code, which closes a criminal avenue to pursue if a baby dies in the womb through an act of domestic violence or another crime. Additionally, this law has language that seems to be a direct threat to pro-life pregnancy centers and health facilities who offer women resources and support when choosing life for themselves and their child.
- Fact Sheet on the “Reproductive Health Act” (RHA)
- Full Text of the law
- Articles and analysis from Ed Mechmann:
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Voter Education
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
The USCCB document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (also available in Spanish) provides guidance on how to form one’s conscience for voting, as well as the principles of Catholic teaching upon which we should rely. It offers a framework that reflects the role of the Church in public life, guided by fundamental realities such as the infinite worth and dignity of every human life, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity.
Life as Pre-Eminent Priority
When discussing the political responsibility of Catholics, the U.S. bishops have repeatedly affirmed, “the threat of abortion remains our pre-eminent priority.” Many people have questions about understanding and articulating the centrality and primacy of upholding the gift of life.
In this short article, Most Reverend Joseph Naumann explains the Church’s vision and teaching. It is available in a variety of formats in English and Spanish. You are welcome to share it on social media, in parish bulletins, newsletters, etc.
- The Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship document is also available in a two-part summary for use as a bulletin insert: Part 1 and Part 2 (Parte 1 / Parte 2)
- Conscience Formation
- Civil Dialogue
- Moral Responsibility and Voting
- Doctrinal Note on Catholics in Public Life – Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on making morally sound decisions about public policy matters
- Catholics in Political Life – USCCB
- Guidelines for Catholic Institutions – The New York State Catholic Conference outlines permissible political activity that may be engaged by Catholic institutions
Note: The “voter guides” (i.e. documents that compare candidate positions on issues) from outside groups are not to be distributed by parishes in the Archdiocese, because such guides may not fairly represent the issues of interest to the Church, and may involve the Church in forbidden partisan political activity.
Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee
For local public policy efforts in Ulster County and more ideas on how to get involved, please refer to the website for the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee.