PLANNED PARENTHOOD PA ANNOUNCES POLICY PRIORITIES FOR 2023

(Harrisburg, Pa.) --- Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates today unveiled its policy priorities for 2023.

“In 2022, voters went to the polls to protect access to abortion and reproductive health, and in 2023, we need to see elected officials heed that call,” said Signe Espinoza, executive director of PPPA. “Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania, but for so many, it’s not accessible – nor is any sexual and reproductive care. We need to expand access, increase education about our health, and fight back against bans on our care or facilities that spread misinformation.”

“All Pennsylvanians deserve access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion care,” continued Espinoza. “Pennsylvania is stronger when we can all make decisions about our families, our health, and our futures.”

PPPA’s policy priorities for the year are:

Protect and Expand Access to Care

At Planned Parenthood, we are always mitigating attacks on abortion care. However, we envision a Pennsylvania that goes beyond defense. Now that we have a pro-sexual and reproductive health House and a champion in the Governor’s mansion, we need to be diligent about putting forth policies that support bodily autonomy and work to undo decades of harm in our communities. Provider Expansion 

• Access to Contraceptives 
• Comprehensive Sex Education
• Funding for Sexual and Reproductive Health Care

Hold Crisis Pregnancy Centers Accountable 

Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs, also referred to as anti-abortion centers) use deceptive tactics that mislead Pennsylvanians and discourage them from seeking licensed medical care. In Pennsylvania, they are publicly funded despite  evidence demonstrating the harm they perpetuate in communities across the state. CPCs pose a major threat to Pennsylvanians and are a public health risk to our communities.

• Redirect public funding given to CPCs
• Increase accountability measures 

Support Clinic Operations and Safety

After the fall of Roe, we have seen an increase in aggression and violence at Planned Parenthood Health Centers. Planned Parenthood patients, staff, and providers deserve to feel safe. Despite legal protections, aggressive protester activity is an ongoing challenge at Planned Parenthood Health Centers, sometimes delaying or disrupting patients’ access to time-sensitive care. 

• Enforce and strengthen laws to protect an individual’s safe access to sexual and reproductive health care facilities

We also oppose:

• Abortion bans, whether explicit in writing or not
• Bills that target our communities and their ability to not just live, but thrive 
• Bills that undermine or restrict our most basic rights 

For more information on PPPA and access to abortion care in Pennsylvania, please visit our website.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Brittany Crampsie, 717 712 3480

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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.