State of Pennsylvania secondary Archives: on Abortion


Summer Lee: Opposed ban on abortions linked to disabilities

HB321: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) of the Consolidated Statutes, in abortion.

Planned Parenthood Action case for voting NO: "The passage of HB 321 in the PA House of Representatives follows a scary trend of bills like this around the country. It is an unconstitutional abortion ban that shows the hypocrisy of those who support it. This bill pretends to help those with disabilities and their families while doing nothing to provide actual services and resources."

Governor's Veto Message: This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women's health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 117-76-9 on May/14/19; State Rep. Summer Lee voted NO; Passed Senate 27-22-0 on Nov/20/19; Vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf on Nov/21/19

Source: Planned Parenthood on Pennsylvania voting records HB321 May 14, 2019

Allyson Schwartz: Endorsed by Planned Parenthood; she founded women's clinic

Allyson Schwartz today received the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC. Its Executive Director said, "Allyson has a distinguished record advocating for women's health and economic security and will be a strong ally in the Governor's office."

Although she currently serves in the US House of Representatives, Schwartz founded Philadelphia's Elizabeth Blackwell Center--a women's health clinic--in 1975 and served as it's director until 1988. The Blackwell Center "provided comprehensive health care services for women of all income levels, races, and backgrounds including access to fertility treatments and contraceptive services"

Schwartz said she welcomed the endorsement: "It's unacceptable that women are still fighting to get access to the care they need in 2014--it's time for a powerful voice to stand up when legislators try to tell women what health care decisions they can make and push for offensive legislation meant only to create obstacles to safe, legal care," Schwartz said.

Source: Pittsburgh City Paper on 2014 Pennsylvania governor's race Feb 26, 2014

Bob Casey: Ban abortion after 20 weeks; but fund Planned Parenthood

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Lou Barletta (R): Ban after 20 weeks, except for rape, incest, & life of mother.

Bob Casey (D): Ban after 20 weeks, except for rape, incest, & life of mother.

Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

Lou Barletta (R): Yes. Supreme Court ruling on this is "a clear victory for religious liberty."

Bob Casey (D): No. Introduced Access to Birth Control Act, stating an employer has no right to deny a woman access to birth control.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Lou Barletta (R): No.

Bob Casey (D): Yes.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Brendan Boyle: Supports emergency contraception and Roe v. Wade

The Republican War on Women, and their attacks on women's health in particular, are wrong and counterproductive. I believe in my heart that if the U.S. made abortion illegal it would not reduce the number of abortions, but would increase the number of women who risk their lives and health undergoing underground abortions. I think reversing Roe v. Wade would be a tragic mistake. Making criminals out of women or their doctors would be wrong.

It is also essential that women have access to contraception, including emergency contraception. Throughout my legislative career I have been a strong proponent of funding family planning services. I have supported Planned Parenthood and will continue to defend its funding. For many poor and uninsured women, Planned Parenthood is the only place they can turn for health services.

Source: 2014 Pennsylvania House campaign website, VoteBoyle.com Oct 10, 2014

Brendan Boyle: I evolved on abortion; ratchet down the heated rhetoric

Because of my support for women's health and equality, I've been attacked by pro-life groups who have even leafleted churches in my district in recent elections. I've also been attacked in my campaign for Congress for my evolution on this issue. I believe if the pro-choice movement consisted exclusively of only those who never changed their mind on this critical subject, then it would be a much smaller group. In Congress, I will work to ratchet down the heated rhetoric on this emotional issue.
Source: 2014 Pennsylvania House campaign website, VoteBoyle.com Oct 10, 2014

Brendan Boyle: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Brendan F. Boyle voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Carla Sands: Is "unapologetically pro-life"

Former ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands, who marched in last month's Harrisburg March for Life, told The Inquirer she is "unapologetically pro-life" but didn't give details on what changes she would or wouldn't support.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 10, 2021

David McCormick: Staunchly pro-life; life begins at conception

Dave is staunchly pro-life and believes that life begins at conception. Dave has attended the March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. and will continue to advocate for the rights of the unborn.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign web DaveMcCormickPA.com May 22, 2022

Doug Mastriano: Fetal heartbeat bill would ban abortions after six weeks

State Sen. Doug Mastriano has already sponsored a bill that, like the Texas law, would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected (about six weeks). He's using the Supreme Court's failure to halt the Texas law as a rallying point for the Pennsylvania measure.
Source: York Dispatch on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race Sep 23, 2021

Doug Mastriano: Supported ban on abortions linked to disabilities

HB321: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) of the Consolidated Statutes, in abortion.

Planned Parenthood Action case for voting NO:"The passage of HB 321 in the PA House of Representatives follows a scary trend of bills like this around the country. It is an unconstitutional abortion ban that shows the hypocrisy of those who support it. This bill pretends to help those with disabilities and their families while doing nothing to provide actual services and resources."

This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women's health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill.

Legislative Outcome:ÿPassed House 117-76-9 on May/14/19; State Sen. Doug Mastriano voted YES; Passed Senate 27-22-0 on Nov/20/19; Vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf on Nov/21/19

Source: Planned Parenthood on Pennsylvania voting records HB321 May 14, 2019

Doug Mastriano: End any state funding to Planned Parenthood

Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website doug4gov.com May 18, 2022

Doug Mastriano: Supported ban on abortions linked to disabilities

HB321: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) of the Consolidated Statutes, in abortion.

Planned Parenthood Action case for voting NO: "The passage of HB 321 in the PA House of Representatives follows a scary trend of bills like this around the country. It is an unconstitutional abortion ban that shows the hypocrisy of those who support it. This bill pretends to help those with disabilities and their families while doing nothing to provide actual services and resources." This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women's health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill.

Legislative Outcome: ÿPassed House 117-76-9 on May/14/19; Passed Senate 27-22-0 on Nov/20/19; Sen. Mastriano voted YES; Vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf on Nov/21/19

Source: Planned Parenthood on Pennsylvania voting records HB321 Nov 21, 2019

Dwight Evans: Oppose increasing regulations for abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Dwight Evans voted NO; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Fred Keller: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Fred Keller voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Guy Reschenthaler: End the barbaric practice of dismemberment abortions

A controversial bill that would limit abortion passed out of state Senate committee after a frequently emotional meeting in which critics decried it as a blatant attempt to diminish women's reproductive rights.

In a 10-5 vote along party lines, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 3. State Sen. Guy Reschenthaler voted for the bill. "I am proud of voting today to protect the sanctity and dignity of life by ending the barbaric practice of dismemberment abortions," Reschenthaler said, "and voting to better align the law with modern medicine by moving restrictions on most abortions back from 6 months set in 1992 to 5 months."

The bill would curtail dilation and evacuation abortions--in which instruments are used to remove the fetus sometimes pulling off limbs and appendages. However, the bill does not refer to dilation and evacuation, but to "dismemberment abortion," a term popularized by anti-abortion advocates, but not recognized by the medical community.

Source: Ellwood City Ledger on Pennsylvania voting record SB-3 Feb 6, 2017

Jeff Bartos: Rated pro-life by Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, LifePac

[On abortion rights]: "Jeff was proud to be rated 'pro-life' by both the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation and LifePac in 2018. As a senator, Jeff will always stand up for our most vulnerable and work with conservatives in Harrisburg to build a culture that respects life."
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 10, 2021

Jim Christiana: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Jim Christiana voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Joe Gale: Black Lives Matter should protest atrocity of abortion

[On BLM protests]: "If the Black Lives Matter movement was really concerned about black lives mattering, those protesting me would instead be at Planned Parenthood protesting the slaughter of black children in the womb," Gale has said, claiming more than 200 Black babies are "murdered in abortion mills across America" every day. "What is truly institutional and systemic racism is the disproportionate number of innocent, unborn black lives snuffed out by the atrocity of abortion," Gale has said.
Source: Pottstown Mercury on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race Jul 9, 2020

John Fetterman: Unabashedly pro-choice;protect constitutional abortion right

Women should be able to make their own health care decisions with dignity and respect. That means access to the services and care necessary for their reproductive health. I am unabashedly pro-choice, and will always fight to protect the constitutional right to an abortion.

But the truth is, Republicans are hell-bent on undoing access to reproductive health services women need, from mammograms to an abortion. There are places in Pennsylvania where women have to drive tens of miles to get to a Planned Parenthood.

One of the reasons why I fought for the Urgent Care Center we have in Braddock today was to make these services accessible and available to women in the community. I don't want to go back to a time where women have to self-administer their care.

Source: 2016 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website JohnFetterman.com Apr 1, 2016

Josh Shapiro: Oppose increasing regulations for abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Josh Shapiro voted NO; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Women's Law on Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Josh Shapiro: He will veto any bill that would restrict abortion rights

Abortion is health care. As Governor, Josh will defend access to reproductive health care -- and continue to defend a woman's right to choose in Pennsylvania. He will veto any bill that would restrict abortion rights, and he will expand access to reproductive care.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website JoshShapiro.org May 18, 2022

Kathy Barnette: I value all life, will promote alternatives to abortion

I value all life. Every person has the potential to do great things during their time on this earth. I will continue to promote alternatives to abortion and work to support parents to become independent and give their children opportunities to succeed.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate website BarnetteForSenate.com Feb 16, 2022

Katie McGinty: Endorsed by EMILY's List

McGinty gained a quick official endorsement from Washington, D.C.,-based EMILY's List, an organization that backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights. The EMILY's List endorsement comes after the group put Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey "on notice" this week that he's their top Senate target in 2016. "The Senate could use a woman like Katie, who has proven her commitment to creating middle-class jobs and preserving the environment," said EMILY's List president.
Source: The Morning Call on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race Aug 6, 2015

Katie McGinty: Oppose any effort to further restrict abortion rights

A look at where the four Democratic gubernatorial candidates - state Treasurer Rob McCord, former Clinton White House environmental adviser Katie McGinty, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and businessman Tom Wolf - stand on some key issues:

ABORTION RIGHTS: All four candidates support abortion rights. McGinty says she would oppose any effort to further restrict abortion rights.

Source: Washington Times on 2014 Pennsylvania governor race May 17, 2014

Katie McGinty: Supports public funding for Planned Parenthood

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

McGinty: Yes

Toomey: No

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

McGinty: No

Toomey: Yes

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

McGinty: No

Toomey: Yes. Viewed Supreme Court decision to allow this as "great news."

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Ken Krawchuk: Pre-natal adoption with a right to choose

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Pardon my bluntness, but your question is unnecessarily polarizing. The true issue is not about abortion; it's about how do we save babies while preserving a woman's right to choose. Pre-natal adoption does just that.

Source: OnTheIssues interview: 2018 Pennsylvania Governor candidate May 18, 2018

Lloyd Smucker: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; State Sen. Smucker co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11 ; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Jun 14, 2011

Lou Barletta: Ban abortion after 20 weeks; de-fund Planned Parenthood

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Lou Barletta (R): Ban after 20 weeks, except for rape, incest, & life of mother.

Bob Casey (D): Ban after 20 weeks, except for rape, incest, & life of mother.

Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

Lou Barletta (R): Yes. Supreme Court ruling on this is "a clear victory for religious liberty."

Bob Casey (D): No. Introduced Access to Birth Control Act, stating an employer has no right to deny a woman access to birth control.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Lou Barletta (R): No.

Bob Casey (D): Yes.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Malcolm Kenyatta: Opposed ban on abortions linked to disabilities

HB321: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) of the Consolidated Statutes, in abortion.

Planned Parenthood Action case for voting NO:"The passage of HB 321 in the PA House of Representatives follows a scary trend of bills like this around the country. It is an unconstitutional abortion ban that shows the hypocrisy of those who support it. This bill pretends to help those with disabilities and their families while doing nothing to provide actual services and resources."

Governor's Veto Message: This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women's health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 117-76-9 on May/14/19; State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta voted NO; Passed Senate 27-22-0 on Nov/20/19; Vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf on Nov/21/19

Source: Planned Parenthood on Pennsylvania voting records HB321 May 14, 2019

Mehmet Oz: Knows how precious life is and is 100% Pro-Life

Dr. Oz is a successful heart surgeon--he has literally held a beating heart in his hands. He knows how precious life is and is 100% Pro-Life.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website DoctorOz.com Dec 8, 2021

Pat Toomey: Great news that employer can withhold contraceptive coverage

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

McGinty: Yes

Toomey: No

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

McGinty: No

Toomey: Yes

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

McGinty: No

Toomey: Yes. Viewed Supreme Court decision to allow this as "great news."

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Rick Saccone: Endorsed by Pro-Life Federation

The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation has repeatedly endorsed Rick Saccone as State Representative in past elections.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senatorial website RickSaccone.com Oct 15, 2017

Rick Saccone: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Rick Saccone voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Scott Perry: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11; State Rep. Scott Perry voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 13, 2011

Scott Wagner: Ban abortions after 20 weeks

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania passed one of the nation's most restrictive anti-abortion bills this month, banning most abortions after 20 weeks and criminalizing a medically accepted method of terminating a pregnancy.

Gov. Tom Wolf has repeatedly pledged to veto the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk. Wolf has taken a personal role in advocating against the legislation, holding events with activists, doctors & women who had late-term abortions that would be restricted if the bill becomes law.

Wolf thinks the bill goes against the state's values. "We were founded by William Penn, on the basis of freedom of conscience. We attracted people from all over the world, based on the idea that they could make their own, most personal decisions. Making sure that women continue to have the right to make their own decisions, I think, is right in line with that tradition," Wolf said. "

Legislative outcome: HB77 passed Senate, 32-18-0 on Feb. 8; Sen. Wagner voted YEA.

Source: Huffington Post on Pennsylvania voting records, SB3/HB77 Feb 8, 2017

Scott Wagner: Co-sponsor of bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Scott Wagner (R): Ban. Co-sponsor of bill to ban after 20 weeks, with exceptions only to save life of mother, not for rape or incest.

Tom Wolf (D): Legal. Vetoed post-20-week ban. Make sure "that women continue to have the right to make their own decisions."

Q: Can employers withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree with it?

Wagner: No public statement found.

Wolf: No. Supports state law requiring employers to cover birth control at no cost.

Source: 2018 CampusElect: Pennsylvania legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

Tom Corbett: Increase regulations for licensing of abortion clinics

SB732: An Act amending the Health Care Facilities Act, providing for licensure, for application for license, for issuance of license and for inspections.

Opposition by Women's Law Project:SB 732 will require abortion providers to comply with regulations now reserved for ambulatory surgical facilities. Known as "TRAP laws," ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers"), similar measures are a tactic recommended in several states for closing down women's clinics. Under SB 732, most or all of the 20 existing freestanding clinics in Pennsylvania may have to stop offering abortion care temporarily, while they hire architects and contractors to transform their small clinics into sophisticated medical facilities; or they may close permanently.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 38-12-0, Roll Call #165 on Jun/14/11; Passed House 151-44-8, Roll Call #981 on Dec/13/11 ; Signed by Governor Tom Corbett on Dec/22/11

Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: SB732 Dec 22, 2011

Tom Wolf: Support abortion rights

All four Democratic candidates support abortion rights. McGinty says she would oppose any effort to further restrict abortion rights.
Source: The Patriot News on 2014 Pennsylvania governor debate May 10, 2014

Tom Wolf: Tradition of freedom of conscience includes abortion rights

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania passed one of the nation's most restrictive anti-abortion bills this month, banning most abortions after 20 weeks and criminalizing a medically accepted method of terminating a pregnancy.

Gov. Tom Wolf has repeatedly pledged to veto the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk. Wolf has taken a personal role in advocating against the legislation, holding events with activists, doctors & women who had late-term abortions that would be restricted if the bill becomes law.

Wolf thinks the bill goes against the state's values. "We were founded by William Penn, on the basis of freedom of conscience. We attracted people from all over the world, based on the idea that they could make their own, most personal decisions. Making sure that women continue to have the right to make their own decisions, I think, is right in line with that tradition," Wolf said. "

Legislative outcome: HB77 passed Senate, 32-18-0 on Feb. 8

Source: Huffington Post on Pennsylvania voting records, SB3/HB77 Mar 3, 2017

Tom Wolf: Vetoed bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Scott Wagner (R): Ban. Co-sponsor of bill to ban after 20 weeks, with exceptions only to save life of mother, not for rape or incest.

Tom Wolf (D): Legal. Vetoed post-20-week ban. Make sure "that women continue to have the right to make their own decisions."

Q: Can employers withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree with it?

Wagner: No public statement found.

Wolf: No. Supports state law requiring employers to cover birth control at no cost.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Scott Wagner (R): No. Co-sponsored bill to defund.

Tom Wolf (D): Yes.

Source: CampusElect 2018: Pennsylvania legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

Tom Wolf: Vetoes further limits on dilation and evacuation abortions

A controversial bill that would limit abortion passed out of state Senate committee after a frequently emotional meeting in which critics decried it as a blatant attempt to diminish women's reproductive rights.

In a 10-5 vote along party lines, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 3 and sent it to the Senate floor for consideration. Gov. Tom Wolf has vowed to veto the legislation if it comes to his desk.

Supporters say that SB3 would "better align the law with modern medicine by moving restrictions on most abortions back from six months set in 1992 to five months."

The bill would curtail dilation and evacuation abortions--in which instruments are used to remove the fetus sometimes pulling off limbs and appendages. However, the bill does not refer to dilation and evacuation, but to "dismemberment abortion," a term popularized by anti-abortion advocates, but not recognized by the medical community.

Source: Ellwood City Ledger on Pennsylvania voting record SB-3 Feb 6, 2017

Tom Wolf: Opposed ban on abortions linked to disabilities

HB321: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses) of the Consolidated Statutes, in abortion.

Planned Parenthood Action case for voting NO:"The passage of HB 321 in the PA House of Representatives follows a scary trend of bills like this around the country. It is an unconstitutional abortion ban that shows the hypocrisy of those who support it. This bill pretends to help those with disabilities and their families while doing nothing to provide actual services and resources."

Governor's Veto Message: This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women's health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 117-76-9 on May/14/19; Passed Senate 27-22-0 on Nov/20/19; Vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf on Nov/21/19

Source: Planned Parenthood on Pennsylvania voting records HB321 Nov 21, 2019

Val Arkoosh: Endorsed by EMILY's List for pro-choice women

Val shattered glass ceilings when she was the first woman elected as chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. Pennsylvania has never before elected a woman senator, and we know that Val has what it takes to make history again. It's time to elect a champion for Pennsylvania's women to the U.S. Senate. Let's rally the EMILY's List community and show Val our full support.

"Our Mission" from emilyslist.org: EMILY's List's vision is to be a driving force of change in America. By electing more Democratic pro-choice women to national, state and local office, EMILY's List will consistently infuse our government with leaders who will drive change. Change that truly matters today, tomorrow and forever. We will work for larger leadership roles for Democratic pro-choice women in our legislative bodies and executive seats so that our families can benefit from the open-minded, productive contributions that women have consistently made in office.

Source: Emily's List 2022 Pennsylvania Senate endorsements Jul 25, 2021

Val Arkoosh: We need to codify Roe v. Wade immediately

As a physician who focused on women's health, Val has seen firsthand the difficult decisions women make under difficult circumstances. Those decisions belong between a woman and her doctor, and no politician in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania or Washington, D.C. should be making those decisions for her. Val will fight to defend Roe v. Wade and expand reproductive justice, including by repealing the Hyde Amendment. She also supports efforts to codify Roe. v. Wade.

It also couldn't be more important that we have voices in the U.S. Senate with the experience to defend Roe v. Wade from the escalating attacks we are seeing on abortion. I specialized in women's health as a physician. We need to codify Roe v. Wade immediately, and because we know they are going to come after contraception next, we must work now to expand access to contraception and ensure cost is never a barrier to those seeking an abortion.

Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website ValArkoosh.com Dec 19, 2021

Josh Shapiro: I will protect Pennsylvania law allowing right to abortion

The next governor will get a bill on his desk to ban abortion, period. My opponent has said he will not only sign it, but he wants to jail doctors who perform abortions. I will veto that bill. And, in vetoing it, I will protect Pennsylvania law. What Pennsylvania law says is that, up to 23 weeks, a woman can make a decision to have an abortion. I continue to support that. And from week 24 on, if her life or health is at risk, in consultation with her doctor, she can have an abortion.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race May 22, 2022

  • The above quotations are from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Politicians: secondary Archives.
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2016 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023