Following is a statement by Kristen Curran, director of government relations for the New York State Catholic Conference: 

“It was reported [Wednesday] morning that Planned Parenthood is asking the State for an emergency $35 million to offset the federal Medicaid freeze on their clinics. New Yorkers should ask them: What happened to the $35 million you already got? The abortion industry in New York is looking increasingly like an irresponsible and spoiled adolescent, spending its generous allowance too fast.

“Despite the many challenges facing New York, this year’s budget once again prioritized abortion, which really means Planned Parenthood. Tens of millions of taxpayer dollars have been funneled to their organization in the last few years, yet the budget contained tens of millions more. These eye-popping figures were not enough to overcome Planned Parenthood’s financial mismanagement, which has led to closures and the reduction of services across the state, all before the Medicaid cuts.

“New York taxpayers should not be forced to prop up a clearly failing organization, especially one whose main business is terminating unborn lives. Planned Parenthood is a bottomless pit of spending, to the detriment of the communities that truly need support. The State needs to direct these funds instead to working families, hungry children, the disability community, and those struggling with mental health. Enough is enough.”

The Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.