Is New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo 'The Abortion King?'

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is positioning himself as a champion for late-term abortions by trying to guarantee the availability of the controversial abortion procedure in his state. The aggressive move, however, has proved unpopular among many New Yorkers, even abortion supporters.

Cuomo's proposed Reproductive Health Act (RHA) may have a positive title, but it belies a radical agenda, including legal protection for third trimester abortions. The RHA would outlaw any abortion restrictions, including allowing abortions up until birth.

Among the other provisions the act would allow in New York state:

• Allow non physicians to perform abortions. Critics charge this provision would endanger more women, allowing any health care practitioner to perform an abortion. With a rash of instances where women have been harmed or died due to abortion malpractice, allowing non-doctors to perform the procedure is risky.

• Prohibit other restrictions on abortion, including parental notification, informed consent regulations, required sonogram viewing, and any law banning taxpayer funding of abortion.

Catholic groups are fighting back against Cuomo's efforts. New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the New York Catholic Conference are leading an effort to stop the RHA, and their push may have convinced enough state senators to oppose the bill and keep it from passing.

A recent poll by the Chiaroscuro Foundation of New York City found that 80% of residents in the state oppose late term abortions, even those who consider themselves pro-choice.

Victor Medina writes for Yahoo News and his political blog WhenLiberalsAttack.com. His other writing credits include The Dallas Morning News and SportsIllustrated.com. He has served as a Dallas County election judge and on the Board of Directors of The Sixth Floor Museum. You can follow him on his blog, VictorMedina.com or on Twitter at @mrvictormedina. He can be reached by email at vic@victormedina.com. To be notified of future stories by Victor Medina, click the SIGN UP or SUBSCRIBE button at the top of this page.