In an attempt to prevent federal abortion rights from being implemented as state law in New York, a bold, pro-life lawmaker sounded off on the Assembly floor Tuesday. In his remarks, Ronald Castorina (R), a freshman state lawmaker, compared abortion to “African-American genocide.”
Not all of his colleagues agreed with his definition.
"I urge my friends and colleagues in the African-American community to be very, very careful about this legislation, because we're talking about African-American genocide," Castorina said.
Audible jeers and gasps could be heard after he made the remarks, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. Others stormed out.
One African-American assemblywoman said she was so offended she had to walk outside of the chamber just to “compose herself.”
Castorina's speech, however, was unfortunately full of facts. Research from blackgenocide.org finds that over 15.5 million African-Americans have been murdered in the womb since Roe v. Wade became law in 1973.
The statistics are especially devastating in New York City, where more black babies are killed by abortion than born, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 2012 report.
Why, then, is genocide not a proper term for the slaughter that’s occurring in our nation’s abortion clinics?
Despite Castorina’s passionate plea, the abortion rights bill passed 88-44. Yet, in the Republican majority Senate, it’s not likely to get a vote.
The Democrat & Chronicle notes that this was one of Castorina’s first speeches. What better time to start speaking up than to do so for the right to life?