
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
Women’s Health Caucus Urges Legislators and Advocates to Focus on Policies Which Help Pennsylvania’s New Parents
Harrisburg, PA − September 27, 2021 − The Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus again calls on their colleagues and the citizens of Pennsylvania to support the #OptInPA Campaign, a movement to help birthing people and improve maternal health across the...
Members of the Women’s Health Caucus Host 4th Trimester Awareness Day Press Conference to Support Mothers and Families throughout Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA − May 27, 2021 −State Senator Katie Muth (44th Senate District) and members of the Pennsylvania Women's Health Caucus hosted a virtual press conference to highlight Senate Resolution 74 that would recognize May 26, 2021 as Fourth Trimester Awareness Day...
Legislators Reaffirm their Commitment to Protecting Access to Abortion Hosted by PA Women’s Health Caucus
HARRISBURG, PA − May 25, 2021 − Chairs, members, and advocates of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) gathered today to reaffirm their commitment to protecting abortion access in response to the recent anti-abortion hearings in the Pennsylvania House...
PA Women’s Health Caucus Responds to Today’s Dangerous Anti-Abortion Hearing in the House Health Committee
Harrisburg, PA − May 4, 2021 − 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 Chairs Join PA Advocates to Share their Legislative Agenda for the 2021 Session
HARRISBURG, PA − March 8, 2021 − Chairs, members, and advocates of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) gathered today to share their legislative agenda for the 2021-2022 Legislative session. C
PA Senate Dems Joined PA House Dems & the PA Women’s Health Caucus for Hearing on Maternal Health and Vaccine Safety Amidst COVID-19
Harrisburg – February 11, 2021 - Yesterday, at the request of PA Women’s Health Caucus chairs Sen. Judy Schwank (D- Berks), Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D- Delaware/Montgomery), Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D- Montgomery), and Rep. Morgan Cephas (D- Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania...
Democratic State Legislators Host Virtual Hearing on Maternal Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Harrisburg – August 12, 2020 – At the request of state Senator Judy Schwank (D- Berks) and state Representatives Morgan Cephas (D- Philadelphia) and Mary Jo Daley (D- Montgomery), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a joint virtual public hearing with...
Senator Tartaglione Senate Floor Remarks on Go Red Women’s Health Care
Senator Haywood Opposes Restrictions on Women’s Right to Choose
Harrisburg – November 18, 2019 – Democratic Chair of the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement opposing Down Syndrome abortion legislation: “Termination of a pregnancy is an...
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