Delmar pastor shows support for ‘Child by Choice’

The Rev. Robert B. Thomas, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Delmar, was one of the spectators at the five-hour abortion repeal debate in the Assembly. Wearing a “Child by Choice” button on his lapel, he explained why he supported the present law that legalized abortion. “There isn’t any question people are going to have abortions. The question is whether they will be legal in hospitals or illegal.” Having worked with the statewide Clergy Consultation Service advising women with problem pregnancies, he had learned “there’s no good answer to an unwanted baby.” He believed there should be more sex education and said he did not believe in abortion as a method of birth control. Thomas remained there throughout the debate that lasted until early evening, forsaking a golf game he had planned for his day off. —Times Union, May 10, 1972