What should Albany be devoting its time to these days?
Gov. Cuomo seems to think it’s abortion.
Now, in a liberal state whose largest city already sees 40% of viable pregnancies — 60% for African-Americans — end in abortion, you might think access isn’t really an issue. But the governor claims that a state law that supposedly makes it hard to get abortions in the ninth month of pregnancy is having a “chilling effect” on those who want them and those who perform them.
We say “supposedly” because the law has been superseded by court rulings that allow abortions in the ninth month to protect a woman’s health (even if her life is not in jeopardy). In short, the law is not enforced.
Nonetheless, Cuomo would amend it to match the reality. He would also allow non-physicians to perform abortions.
It’s hard to see the demand. A just-released statewide poll taken by McLaughlin & Associates on behalf of the Chiaroscuro Foundation suggests that when New Yorkers are informed about the number of abortions in their state, they don’t share the governor’s sense that this is a priority.
Indeed, nearly four out of five believe the state already provides sufficient access. Four out of five also oppose having unlimited abortion through the ninth month. And three-quarters oppose changing the law to allow someone other than a doctor to perform surgical abortions.
What makes this interesting is that these numbers come from a poll where a clear majority identifies itself as pro-choice.
So while Cuomo’s push cannot be explained by popular demand, it makes perfect sense for someone eyeing the White House. Especially someone who watched the Democratic convention this year in North Carolina.
Gone was Bill Clinton’s “safe, legal and rare.” In its place was a goal sought by only a fraction of America: abortion without limit, financed by taxpayers.
Cuomo’s move signals to this key constituency within the Democratic Party that he’ll be their champion.
Meanwhile, there is the state of New York to govern. Would that the governor devote as much passion and energy to other state business that strikes us as more compelling for the citizens he now serves.
Like, say, fracking, which he continues to kick down the road at the expense of jobs and other economic benefits for Upstate.
Or relief from state mandates, which is costing cash-starved localities millions.
Or reform of state regulations, which are imposing huge burdens on the private sector and making the state less competitive.
Or simply getting the state to spend less and tax less.
All of this is pretty urgent stuff — to New Yorkers. Or at least to those New Yorkers who aren’t planning a move to Washington.