New York Q&A: What Do You Think About Democrats Blocking Abortion Care Bill?

Cora Martis(L) in New York in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

A recent bill that would have ensured care for babies who survived late-term abortions was blocked in the Senate on Feb. 25 by Democrats, who called it an attack on women and doctors.

The bill, entitled “The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” and introduced by Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), would have ensured that a baby who survived a late-term abortion attempt would receive the same care and professional attention as any other newborn.

Republicans have viewed the move by Democrats as defending infanticide.

The Epoch Times took to the streets to ask the people of New York for their thoughts on this matter.

Cora Martis(L) in New York in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Cora Martis, 50, paramedic, from Holland

I don’t agree with them. That is sick. Doctors must save everyone, that’s why they are doctors.

The process has failed, the baby is born, and it needs medical attention. So you need to take care of it.

I’m a paramedic, so I think everyone needs saving.

Kenneth Robles in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Kenneth Robles, 52, retired

Of course, you should look after it—it’s a baby. Why would you not care for it? Even if the mother doesn’t want it, somebody else might.

Why would they block this? It doesn’t make sense. There are no words.

Lena Omotosho in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Lena Omotosho, 49, construction

We shouldn’t block the bill. We want to save children. They’re the most important thing; they’re the future.

As far as personal experiences, I’ve been in that situation.

I have a 27-year-old and an 18-year-old. I was going to put my daughter up for adoption or abort, but I decided to keep her, so it affects me a lot.

Michael Pirrocco in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Michael Pirrocco, 49, photographer

It’s common sense—they’re human. Why would you leave them?

Ce'Jada Myers in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Ce’Jada Myers, 20, student, indirect marketing

I don’t agree that they blocked it.

But it depends on why are they blocking it; do they not agree with extending the life of a child? What condition are these newborn children in? Do they have a high life expectancy?

How long do they have to take care of the babies for, and where’s the mom?

Nina Vishneva in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Nina Vishneva, journalist

It’s complicated. I don’t think there is a right answer, since every case is different.

Margaret in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Margaret

I think abortion should be allowed after two, three, or four [months], maybe, but not after seven to eight months.

Women have plenty of time. You don’t wait for that long to decide, because that’s a baby—it’s murder at that point.

But if the baby is already born? What kind of life is it going to lead?

Len Leung in New York, in March. Stuart Liess/The Epoch Times

Len Leung, teaching assistant

Only to a point where the baby is medically fine. Then, [the doctor] would pass the baby over to the state. He can’t be responsible all the way for the entire life of the child. It wasn’t his, he didn’t conceive it.