ABORTION CARE

We know that when people have the freedom to make the best decisions for their lives and their families, all of us thrive. The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is the devastating culmination of decades of systemic oppression, reversing nearly 50 years of recognition of abortion care as a fundamental human right. We believe that protecting abortion care is up to us, and we must demand that the rights and freedoms of all people and all genders are valued and cherished.

Pennsylvania does not currently have a total ban on abortion, but it is under threat. The Pennsylvania legislature is trying to introduce an amendment to the state constitution that would criminalize not only abortion, but other critical reproductive healthcare as well. 

From our friends at Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates:

“If passed and later approved at the ballot, this bill would make it much easier for the state to ban or severely restrict abortion…{and} could impact more than just abortion–this would make it the policy of the state to “protect the life of every unborn child from conception until birth”—that could have implications for contraception, IVF, and even whether or not a pregnant person gets to make their own medical decisions about how they give birth.”

Our state constitution many only be amended if a proposed change receives a majority vote within two consecutive legislation session and then it must be approved by voters a a ballot measure (ie. the questions where we answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’). If passed, this ballot would appear in the 2023 elections. The governor can not veto constitution amendments.

It's up to all of us to defend ABORTION CARE.

JOIN US.

  1. Sign up here with the First Ward to talk with neighbors about why electing Josh Shapiro as Governor is key to defending access to abortion in Pennsylvania.

2. Hang the ABORTION CARE IS A RIGHT poster in your window and sign up for the First Ward email list for important updates. Fill out the form above and we’ll make sure to get a poster to you.

3. Vote on November 8th for John Fetterman for U.S. Senate and Josh Shapiro for Governor!

Last updated 10/25/22

HOW WE GOT HERE

1973 Roe v. Wade: The Supreme Court decision to leagalize abortion in the US

1976 Hyde Amendment Passes: This blocked federal funds from paying for abortions which greatly restricted access to abortions. 

1982 Abortion Control Act Passes in PA: This limits access by implementing minor consent and mandating 24 hour waiting period as well as counceling for abortion seekers. 

1985 PA bans Medicaid coverage of abortion

1992 Planned Parenthood vs. Casey: This affirms abortion as a constitutional rights but upholds restrictive aspects of the Abortion Control Act. The idea of ‘fetal viability’ is developed, laying the foundation for further attacks on reproductive health and justice. 

2010’s Targeted Regulation of Abortion Provider (TRAP): legislation designed to force abortion clinics to meet burdensome and unfounded criteria (ie. mandating costly sinks and physical properties).