Women's Health and Advocacy

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 Collett

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 Collett

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:

N

Autonomy in all healthcare decisions

N

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

N

Access to reproductive and sexual health products and education

N

Equitable, high quality maternal care

N

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

N

Comprehensive healthcare coverage for female specific health issues and procedures

Our Members at Work

Senator Haywood Opposes Restrictions on Women’s Right to Choose

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

Maternal & Child Health

Workplace Equality & Economic Empowerment

Justice & Inclusion

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Advocates & Resources

Women’s Health Caucus
Planned Parenthood Western Pennsylvania
Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania
ACLU
Unitarian Universalist Justice PA
Women Against Abuse
Women’s Law Project
National Women’s Health Network