West Chester: Proposed Law Prohibits Police From Patrolling Abortions

WEST CHESTER, PA —West Chester officials are studying the concept of preventing police from enforcing anti-abortion laws in the event Pennsylvania lawmakers enact legislation preventing abortions.

The borough’s Public Safety, Events & Quality of Life committee on Wednesday discussed a proposed ordinance presented by Councilman Brian McGinnis that would prevent police from investigating or charging women for getting abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The discussions of police enforcing abortion bans ramped up nationwide after the U.S. Supreme Court on May 29 overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, allowing states to determine the access to abortions.

In Pennsylvania, abortions are legal up to 24 weeks.

McGinnis, who is not a member of the committee, informed the committee that nearby Radnor Township enacted an ordinance in June stripping police of the power to enforce anti-abortion laws in the event the state legislators adopt laws preventing abortions.

Planned Parenthood is located at 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester.

“I don’t think it’s in the best interest for police departments and sheriff’s departments throughout the country going after doctors, nurses or anyone who has had an abortion,” McGinnis said during the meeting.

“I believe that police will be well-served in fighting crime,” he said.

McGinnis said that it’s unfortunate that police are getting involved in other parts of the country.

Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey, a committee member, said abortion is legal in Pennsylvania.

“We’ve never had any police interference at Planned Parenthood for any reason,” Dorsey said.

Councilwoman Sheila Vacarro, a committee woman, said that she has had some inquiries from the public.

“In West Chester, we are respecting their (women’s) rights,” she said.

Councilman Neil Allen said he also agrees with the concept, encouraging Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste to move forward with the ordinance.

The mayor, who oversees the police department, said Friday that she supports the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

However, she does not believe an ordinance is necessary at this time because abortions are legal in Pennsylvania.

“The law hasn’t changed in Pennsylvania,” DeBaptiste said. “This does not pertain to West Chester.”

Planned Parenthood

The mayor noted that Planned Parenthood provides essential services to women in the borough related to reproductive health care.

“There is a place to go to get objective, not judgmental advice,” she said. “We are fortunate to have it (Planned Parenthood) here.”

Last week, the state Senate and House passed a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, stating that it does not guarantee rights for abortions or public funding for abortions.

Gov. Wolf has said that he would not support changes that would prevent women from getting abortions.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Democratic candidate, said he supports women’s rights to have abortions.

Doug Mastriano, Republican candidate, said he supports restricting abortions.