Pennsylvania Legislature returns to session, anti-abortion bills on the docket in both House and Senate

Anti-abortion politicians continue pushing multiple anti-abortion bills through the Legislature

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — This week, the Pennsylvania House and Senate return for session, and multiple anti-abortion bills are expected to move. Even though Governor Wolf has vowed to veto any anti-abortion bill that reaches his desk, Republicans in the House and Senate continue to push legislation that would severely restrict access to abortion care across the state.

On September 1, Texas passed one of the most extreme abortion bans this country has ever seen. Known as SB 8, this law bans abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy — before many people even know they are pregnant. Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-76) has introduced similar legislation in Pennsylvania, HB 904, and it was voted out of the House Health Committee.

“Our state could be next. We must come together to protect access to safe and legal abortion,” said Signe Espinoza, Interim Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA). “2021 is officially the most hostile legislative year for sexual and reproductive health and rights since Roe v. Wade was decided nearly 50 years ago. We will continue to work to ensure that every person, no matter their zip code, has access to the health care they need and deserve.”

A fetal remains bill (HB 118), introduced by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-101), and a Down syndrome abortion ban (HB 1500), introduced by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-169) have passed the House and are on the calendar to move forward in the Senate.

We know that banning abortion isn’t what people in America want, nor is it something they stand for. Politicians are doing this in defiance of the American people, whose support for safe, legal abortion is at an all-time high: 80 percent of Americans want abortion to be legal.

PPPA is prepared to fight for each Pennsylvanian’s right to sexual and reproductive health care — one anti-abortion bill at a time.

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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.