Healthcare is a human right. Everyone, regardless of their gender or sexuality, deserves access to quality healthcare. No one should be subject to restrictions on the care they need or the decisions they’re able to make about their own body. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for countless Pennsylvanians. We must continue the fight for women’s bodily autonomy and equitable access to quality care.

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats are always fighting for better healthcare options for women. We know that keeping women healthy strengthens our families and communities here in the Commonwealth. That is why it’s crystal clear: Pennsylvanians need more access to quality, affordable healthcare.

We believe lawmakers and leaders on both sides of the aisle can work together to make the healthcare system work even better for women and their specific health needs. Our caucus will continue to identify real health challenges and fight for solutions for women across the commonwealth. Proactive, unbiased, convenient, and supportive healthcare can easily be a reality for women if we make it a priority.

Senator Maria Collett celebrated the passage of House Bill 253 with Governor Wolf and other state leaders. HB253 appropriated $225 million in federal ARP funding to support health care workers in PA.

Senator Amanda Cappelletti presented the Women’s Resource Center with a $50,000 check to expand financial coaching and resource coordination services. Executive Director, Cheryl Brubaker accepted the check on behalf of Women’s Resource Center.

Senator Amanda Cappelletti presented the Women’s Resource Center with a $50,000 Department of Human Services grant.

Senator Judy Schwank joined Democratic members of the Women’s Health Caucus and other lawmakers to speak out against House Bill 321, legislation that would limit health care choices for women and politicize difficult moments for vulnerable families.

Our Priorities, Our Work

Supporting health autonomy and access to care for women must continue to be a priority at the national, state, and local levels. The PA Senate Democrats will continue to fight for women’s rights to:

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Autonomy in all healthcare decisions

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Paid family leave to further support maternal care post-pregnancy for mothers and newborn babies

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Access to reproductive and sexual health products and education

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Equitable, high quality maternal care

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Increased support and resources for victims of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking

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Comprehensive healthcare coverage for female specific health issues and procedures

What We're Working On

PA Democrats fight for Reproductive Freedom

We are taking action in a number of ways to fight back against republican attacks on women's health and reproductive freedom.

Protect Abortion Access & Maternal Health

Our Members at Work

Joint Policy Hearing on A Post-Roe America

Policy Hearing Identifies Facts and Fiction of Post-Roe Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, JULY 19– The House and Senate Policy Committees convened a hearing Tuesday morning to explore what the future of healthcare looks like in Pennsylvania after the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade.

Vice President Harris joins PA State & Federal Democrats to Protect Women’s Rights

PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2022 – Vice President Kamala Harris visited Philadelphia on Saturday to meet with state House and Senate Democrats, including members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation to to turn anger to action in the wake of Republican efforts...

Senator Marty Flynn Issues Response to Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion

Op-ed by Senator Marty Flynn

I was very disheartened on Friday when six Supreme Court Justices disregarded 50 years of precedent and overturned Roe v. Wade. While a majority of Americans support a woman’s right to choose, this is still a very divisive issue, and over the years I’ve spoken with constituents from all walks of life to get a sense of how they feel about it and why. Most people feel women should be able to make this decision for themselves, but when speaking with constituents who agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling, the answer I hear most often is “I’m pro-life.”

Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chairs, Democratic Leaders Vow to Protect Abortion Access in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg — June 27, 2022 — Today, the four co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus were joined by senate and house Democratic Leaders Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Joanna McClinton to talk about the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the need to preserve...

Street Statement on Roe v. Wade Ruling “A Woman’s Right to Choose Must Be Protected…”

PHILADELPHIA, June 24, 2022 – Senator Street released the following statement on today’s US Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and ending federal protections for abortion access: “Today’s US Supreme Court ruling is an attack on reproductive rights that...

Hughes Statement Regarding Dobbs Decision

Philadelphia, PA − June 24, 2022 − State Sen. Vincent Hughes today released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization: “Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade devastates a women’s right to...

Senator John Kane Reacts to SCOTUS Ruling Striking Down Roe vs. Wade

Harrisburg, PA – June 24, 2022 – Today, Senator John Kane issued the following statement in response to the US Supreme Courts’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: “Today’s decision is a devastating rollback of our rights. I’ve continued to say that people will die...

Senator Haywood Responds to Roe v. Wade Ruling

PHILADELPHIA – June 24, 2022 – Today, State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: “I support women’s reproductive rights and I reject the Supreme...

Senator Collett Reacts to SCOTUS Decision Overturning ROE

Harrisburg, Pa. – June 24, 2022 – In the wake of today’s US Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which effectively overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks, Democratic Caucus Secretary)...

Senator Kearney Issues Statement on SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Decision

SPRINGFIELD, PA – June 24, 2022 – While not surprised, I am angered by and disappointed in the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Fundamentally, this decision is an attack on every person’s constitutional right to make...

Sen. Fontana Issues Statement on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade

Allegheny County – June 24, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “Today the U.S. Supreme Court pushed the country back 50 years, stripping away...

Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti Responds to SCOTUS Overturning Roe v. Wade

Norristown, PA – June 24, 2022 – With the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court of the United States, Pennsylvanians’ access to abortion is in peril. Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery/Delaware) released the following in response to the ruling:...

Sen. Schwank Issues Statement on Reversal of Roe V. Wade

Reading − June 24, 2022 − The following is a statement from state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) condemning today’s reversal of Roe V. Wade. “Today’s ruling is a severe blow to women across the country. A crucial right that has allowed women to make their own health care...

Senator Dillon Releases Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Philadelphia, PA − June 24, 2022 − Senator Jimmy Dillon released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: “Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court rolls back the basic rights...