In yet another example of a small minority of people imposing their will on the majority, a new poll has found that the overwhelming majority of New York state residents not only oppose late-term term but would limit abortion to the first three months of pregnancy - which means most residents oppose the radical Reproductive Health Act passed in January.

A new Marist Poll conducted for the Knights of Columbus has found that even in a state where most residents consider themselves to be pro-choice (64%), a stunning 71 percent say they oppose abortion after 20 weeks gestation. This opposition is widespread and includes members of all political parties with 69 percent of Democrats, 73 percent of Independents, and 89 percent of Republicans saying they are against late term abortion.

This view on later term abortion puts New Yorkers in line with the rest of nation where eight in 10 Americans say they believe abortion should be limited to – at most – the first three months of pregnancy. Only 18 percent of the general population supports abortion after 20 weeks.

In fact, when specifically asked if they would allow abortion in the last trimester, only 21 percent of New Yorkers voiced support, a number that includes a majority of Democrats (54%) and wide majorities among Independents and Republicans.

“New Yorkers simply do not support laws that allow late-term abortions,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “It is now clear that these radical policies are being pursued despite opposition by the majority of New Yorkers, and by a majority of those who identify as Democrats, Republicans and independents.”

The good news is that what these numbers reveal - that advances in science have convinced the majority of the public that the unborn are human beings worthy of recognition and compassion. While this is a good sign for the future, the bad news is that too many of our legislatures are controlled by members of that fringe 21 percent who believe unborn life is expendable – for the sake of “women’s rights” - up to the point of birth.

Besides prayer and a commitment to continuing to support efforts to educate the public about the evils of abortion, the best chance we have of saving the lives of the unborn remains in the voting booth!