PLANNED PARENTHOOD PA REACTS TO GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S FIRST BUDGET ADDRESS

(Harrisburg, Pa.) --- Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates applauds Governor Josh Shapiro on a responsible and robust budget proposal for his first year in office.

“Governor Shapiro has proposed a budget here that invests in communities, future generations, and essential services and programs,” said Signe Espinoza, executive director of Planned Parenthood PA. “We know that a budget is bigger than the numbers on a page; it’s a statement of priorities. We hear politicians tell us what they care about every election season, but when they propose a budget, they’re showing us what really matters. Governor Shapiro has shown us that he cares about our families, and we thank him for that.”

“We are particularly happy with the major investment in fighting maternal mortality, which is a huge problem in this state and especially among patients of color,” continued Espinoza. “We do have questions about state funds being allocated to Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs). These centers advance an anti-abortion agenda and fail to provide unbiased information to the pregnant people who walk through their doors. CPCs outnumber medical clinics 9 to 1 without providing any real, medical care. We look forward to working with the Shapiro Administration to ensure funding goes to organizations that provide care and do not advance an extreme, anti-abortion agenda.”

“As the long months of budget negotiation and debate get underway, Planned Parenthood PA would like to see a commitment from the Governor and legislature to invest in affordable, accessible sexual and reproductive health care. This care is essential and unfortunately out of reach to too many Pennsylvanians right now. Through this process, PPPA will continue to advocate for patients – present and future,” concluded Espinoza.

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.