Editor’s note: Several Christian and pro-life leaders have spoken out in response to the recent legislation signed into law by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The “Reproductive Health Act” makes abortion legal in New York up until birth. Below is an open letter to Governor Cuomo, written by Rev. Tim Mercaldo of Staten island. Reprinted with permission.

Dear Mr. Cuomo,

I am deeply grieved and shocked by your decision to support and initiate the lifting of restrictions on abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy. My perplexity is rooted in your disregard for the human being in the mother’s womb. This is, by all accepted biological scientific evidence and ethical understanding, a “human body” and “human being” deserving protection. This “child within” is the most vulnerable member of our society.

Yes, every person has a right to do whatever they see fit with their individual body, but not when it ill affects another person’s body (especially their viability). The termination of a fetus’ life is not, nor can ever, be the “right” of a mother, or any person(s) for that matter. This is not a political nor religious matter relegated to “left/liberal” or “right/conservative” debate. It is a human right, which is why I chose such as the subject banner.

Please reconsider, Mr. Cuomo. I have been a proud New Yorker all my life. This decision has left me not only grieved but ashamed. Please affirm and protect all human life, whether in.the womb or near the tomb.

Thank you for reading my appeal. I am only one voice in an increasing wilderness of disregard for the pre-born baby. I know I represent millions in New York who think and feel the same way. Yet, whether some, all or none ascribe to what I have written, it is the truth objectively and I will continue to be a voice for those who cannot speak and defend themselves.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further in the hope that you would be open to the above. I would meet with the same openness to hear your reasoning. Much is at stake for the individuals involved, and that is perhaps the understatement of our time.

Yours,

Timothy James Mercaldo

Pastor Mercaldo is urging concerned New Yorkers to write to Governor Cuomo regarding the Reproductive Health Act.

UPDATED FACEBOOK POST in response to Staten Island Advance op-ed regarding Rev. Mercaldo’s letter to Gov. Cuomo:

A bit long but necessary in response to a recent written critique of my letter to Governor Cuomo. This past Sunday, my… Posted by Timothy J Mercaldo on Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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