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The following was a speech given by Sandra Steingraber for the Don’t Frack New York Rally in Albany, August 27, 2012.

On this day, 53 years ago, a pregnant college student walked into a hospital in rural Illinois and gave birth to a child.

And then she walked out. By herself.

The baby she left behind became a ward of the state. Three months later a family was found for it.

That child was me.

This story carries three messages. The first is for Governor Cuomo. At the Democratic Committee Policy Conference last week, the governor affirmed his belief in the essential value of government, calling it “the vehicle for the community.” I am Exhibit A for that noble idea.

Sometimes the vehicle for community means finding a home for an abandoned child.

Sometimes the vehicle for community means saying NO to a carcinogen-dependent industry that seeks to use our towns as their factory floor, offering temporary riches for a few and permanent pollution for all.

Governor Cuomo: The state of Illinois once protected me. Now I want you to protect my two children. Governor Cuomo, say NO.