Pennsylvania anti-abortion legislators host hearing on slew of introduced anti-abortion bills

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Today, Thursday, April 8, at 9 AM, the House Health Committee, chaired by Representative Kathy Rapp (HD-65), is hosting a hearing on a series of anti-abortion bills that have been introduced this legislative session.

All 3 introduced bills, a 6-week ban (HB 904), a fetal remains bill (SB 21), and a Down syndrome ban (HB 118), are extreme anti-abortion legislation that would make almost all abortions illegal in Pennsylvania. In fact, the impact of abortion restrictions is predominantly felt by those who already experience barriers to health care, including young people, women of color, those with disabilities, people with low incomes, people who live in rural areas, and those who are undocumented.

Representative Rapp has co-sponsored every single anti-abortion bill since being in office. Pennsylvanians deserve elected officials who put their constituent’s best interests first — not elected officials who continue pushing overwhelming unpopular legislation.

“Representative Rapp and anti-abortion legislators should be ashamed of themselves for attempting to restrict access to sexual and reproductive health care in the middle of a pandemic,” said Signe Espinoza, PPPA’s Director of Policy, “it is time to put Pennsylvanians first.”

The truth is that abortion is a critical component of a person’s ability to lead a free and fulfilling life with dignity and autonomy. Nearly three-quarters of Americans — 72 percent — do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned.

We believe every person should have the right to make decisions about their own health care with their doctor and family — without government intrusion. Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA) is committed to fighting against anti-abortion extremists, like Representative Rapp, to ensure sexual and reproductive health care for all Pennsylvanians.

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ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD PENNSYLVANIA ADVOCATES

Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA) exists to create a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. We achieve this, in partnership with the 3 Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania, through electoral and advocacy campaigns, lobbying, and organizing.