Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates hosts first-ever virtual legislative convening to further the organization’s policy priorities in 2021

Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA), in collaboration with partner organizations and coalitions across the state, is hosting its first-ever virtual legislator convening. Legislators will be provided with trainings and resources to combat anti-abortion attacks and champion proactive legislation in Pennsylvania.

During the event, legislators will have the opportunity to participate in two breakout sessions. The first breakout session, which is being offered to all legislators, focuses on how to talk about abortion. Legislators will learn how to correct misinformation, debunk myths, and talk about abortion through a racial justice and gender-inclusive lens.

Legislators will have the opportunity to select their second breakout by choosing one of three options: a panel discussion on comprehensive sex education, a panel discussion on the harms of state-funded crisis-pregnancy centers, and a presentation focused on the telehealth services provided at Planned Parenthood health centers.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to bring legislators across the state together in a virtual space,” said Signe Espinoza, PPPA’s Director of Policy. “The pandemic won’t stop us from working to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health care is prioritized this legislative session.”

Since the legislative session began, several bills have been introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature that restrict access to safe, legal abortion. Despite Governor Wolf’s commitment to vetoing any bill that restricts access to abortion, anti-abortion legislators are prioritizing their anti-abortion agenda in spite of the need to solve public health crises like the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and rising maternal mortality rates – crises the pandemic has exacerbated.

Espinoza says it is imperative for PPPA to continue to collaborate with coalition partners across the state to work with legislators who are committed to advocating for sexual and reproductive healthcare while also holding anti-abortion legislators accountable as they continue to fail their constituents and all Pennsylvanians. “Anti-abortion legislators are not only misguided on their priorities, but they are also misinformed about growing support for abortion access. Nearly 8 in 10 Americans say that they don’t want Roe overturned and abortion bans are deeply unpopular with people across the political spectrum. We look forward to engaging with legislators who put their constituents first and choose to be research oriented and data informed.”

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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.