Bills Restricting Abortion Pass In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — A pair of bills that would restrict access to abortions in Pennsylvania have passed through the state senate, prompting a promise of a veto from Gov. Tom Wolf and reigniting on the local level what has become an intensified national debate over reproductive rights in recent months.

Senate Bill 152 would prohibits the state government from funding to organizations that perform abortions, while Senate Bill 956 amends the law to state that residents have no constitutional right to an abortion.

Republican State Sen. Judy Ward, who introduced Bill 956, said that it is designed to prevent pro-choice lawsuits like those are currently being considered before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

"The abortion industry is asking the court to declare a right to abortion and a right to taxpayer funding of abortion in Pennsylvania’s constitution," she wrote in a co-sponsorship memorandum. "If the court declares such rights, all of Pennsylvania’s laws that protect the life and health of mothers and preborn children by regulating abortion are in danger of being subsequently struck down."

Gov. Tom Wolf today has vowed to veto the measure, arguing that it would significantly impact access to basic reproductive healthcare for lower income individuals particularly.

“My administration is committed to reducing maternal mortality and giving women, birthing people, children, and families the support that they need to succeed," he said. "This should be our focus, not regressive policies that make it harder for vulnerable people making difficult decisions about their health."

The governor has vetoed six different bills that would have restricted access to abortion in Pennsylvania since taking office.

Gov. Wolf also noted the consequences other states, like Georgia, have faced from the private sector for passing similar bills.

"These policies are detrimental to efforts to attract and retain businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers," he added.

The nation is still awaiting a decision on a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court that could potentially overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.