
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 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:
Autonomy in all healthcare decisions
Paid family leave to further support maternal care post-pregnancy for mothers and newborn babies
Access to reproductive and sexual health products and education
Equitable, high quality maternal care
Increased support and resources for victims of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking
Comprehensive healthcare coverage for female specific health issues and procedures
Our Members at Work
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...
Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chairs and Members of State Senate Democratic Caucus Slam Supreme Court Decision, Call for Action to Preserve Abortion Access in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg − June 24, 2022 − Co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) and members of the Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Caucus criticized today's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling...
Senator Santarsiero Reacts to Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
BUCKS COUNTY − June 24, 2022 − The following statement is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), in response to the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. “Today, and every day, I stand in support of a...
Sen. Lindsey Williams Release Statement on SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Decision
Pittsburgh, Pa. − June 24, 2022 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: I am completely devastated over today’s Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health...
Senator Nikil Saval’s Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Extremist Ruling in Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Philadelphia, PA June 24, 2022 — Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) released a statement today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s extremist ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, overturning the constitutional right to abortion and marking the largest...
Senator Jay Costa Issues Statement on SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Decision
Harrisburg, PA – June 24, 2022 – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Senator Jay Costa issued the following statement in response to the US Supreme Courts’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: “I am disheartened by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade....
Senator Kearney, Rep. Curry Deliver Thousands of Donated Feminine Hygiene Products to Upper Darby WIC Office
SPRINGFIELD, PA – June 15, 2022 – Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware/Chester) and state Rep. Gina H Curry (D-Delaware), on Friday delivered over 1,000 feminine hygiene products to the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) office in Upper Darby to help local menstruating...
Bill Establishing WIC Advisory Board Passes Pennsylvania Senate
Harrisburg — June 15, 2022 — Today, SB967, which would establish a Women, Infants, and Children advisory board in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed the senate by a vote of 49-1. The Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC has...
Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus – Postpartum Depression
Sen. Fontana Shares Statement on Leaked Supreme Court Draft on Abortion
Allegheny County – May 4, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senator Wayne Fontana shared the following statement in response to news about the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would throw out Roe v. Wade. “The leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion...
Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus: Statement on Leaked Roe v. Wade Draft Opinion
Harrisburg, PA − May 3, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Mary Jo Daley...
Senator Collett Among 40 PA Women Recognized by City & State for Going Above & Beyond
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. − March 23, 2022 − Last night, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) was honored by City & State PA during the award ceremony for its first-ever Above & Beyond list. Released during Women’s History Month, the list recognizes 40...
PA Women’s Health Caucus Expresses Gratitude to Abortion Providers Across the Commonwealth on Abortion Provider Appreciation Day
Harrisburg, PA − March 10, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Mary Jo Daley...
PA Women’s Health Caucus Applauds Medicaid Coverage Extension for Postpartum Individuals
Phoenixville, PA − February 25, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) hosted a press conference today at Tower Health in Phoenixville to applaud the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ decision to opt in our Medicaid program for...
PA Women’s Health Caucus Responds to Governor Tom Wolf’s Budget Address
Harrisburg, PA − February 9, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) applaud Governor Tom Wolf for his budget proposal that utilizes the nearly $6 billion budget surplus and puts Pennsylvania on the path to make historic investments in...
PA Senate Democrats Hold 2022 Policy Hearings on Abortion and Reproductive Health in Pennsylvania
Legislation
Reproductive Health & Justice
- Setting Standards for Family Planning Services
- Expanding Access to Contraceptives
- Insurance Coverage for Infertility Treatments
- Preserving Fertility for Patients Act
- The PARENT Act
- Protecting Patients’ Reproductive Healthcare Information
- Reproductive Rights Amendment
- Reproductive Freedom Act
- Codifying Emergency Abortion Care Protections for Pennsylvanians
- Protecting the Privacy of Insured Dependents
- Protection for Nurses Providing Reproductive Health Services
- Funding for Family Planning Providers
- Expanding the Types of Professionals Who Can Provide Abortion Care
- Prohibiting Spousal Notice in Abortions
- Patient Trust Act
- PA Menstrual Equity Act
- Menstrual Education in Schools
- Menopause Education
- Providing Menstrual Hygiene Products in State Buildings
- Combatting Fertility Fraud and Deception
- Diagnostic Breast Imaging
- Coverage for Abortion in Commonwealth Insurance Policies
- Coverage for Abortions through Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Exchange
Maternal & Child Health
Workplace Equality & Economic Empowerment
Justice & Inclusion
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Providing Grants for Domestic Violence Prevention and Services
- Campus Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Study
- Allowing Electronic Monitoring of Defendants as an Option of Relief in Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders
- Tax-Free Retirement Withdrawals for Survivors of Domestic Abuse
- Reforming Pennsylvania’s Divorce Laws