Archdiocesan Public Policy Office
The Public Policy Office works to influence legislation on the national and state levels in order to promote the cause of human life and family life. Our mission is to transform our society in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information on current public policy issues click here.
Gospel of Life Week
Gospel of Life Week
Teachers and Parents
– Adoption
– Loving Our Neighbors
– Knowing My Value
– Life is a Gift
– Learning to Forgive
– Respecting Others
– Caring for Those in Need
– The Beginning of Life
– Celebrating Special Needs
– Overcoming Differences
– Receiving Mercy
– Immigration
– Life is Precious
– Dignity at Every Age
– Marriage
– Caring for Creation
DREs and Catechists
– Grades PK-3
– Grades 4-6
– Grades 7-9
– Grades 10-12
Topics
– The Beginning of Life
– Knowing My Value
– Adoption
– Respecting Others
– Receiving Mercy
– Immigration
– Loving Our Neighbors
– Life is a Gift
– Life is Precious
– Dignity at Every Age
– Learning to Forgive
– Caring for Those in Need
– Marriage
– Caring for Creation
– Celebrating Special Needs
– Overcoming Differences
High School Resources
Youth Ministry Resources
Service Opportunities
Assisted Suicide Legislation in New York
With the 2025 legislative session underway, advocates and the bill sponsors of doctor-assisted suicide are pushing hard for a vote to legalize this deadly practice in New York State. Assembly Bill 136 would allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication for the express purpose of ending a patient’s life. Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on human life here. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care.
Contact your Assembly and Senate representatives today to voice your opposition to this dangerous and deadly practice! A phone call is one of the most effective ways to get our message heard – make yours count today.
Catholic Action Network
The most effective tool we have to influence our 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.
Reproductive Health Act (RHA)
Tragically, the Reproductive Health Act passed the New York State Legislature in 2019. The Reproductive Health Act 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.
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
Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee
For local public policy efforts in Ulster County and more ideas on how to get involved, please see the website for the Ulster Deanery Respect Life Committee.