Pennsylvania to end state funding for anti-abortion centers after nearly 30 years

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced he will end the state’s funding for anti-abortion programs, after nearly 30 years of government support.

Shapiro said his administration will not “continue that pattern,” but “will ensure women in this Commonwealth receive the reproductive health care they deserve.”

Since 1995, Pennsylvania has been collecting taxpayer money (more than $135 million in total) to subsidize the nonprofit Real Alternatives, which distributes funds to dozens of centers in the state, including Catholic charities, maternity homes and anti-abortion counseling centers.

The program was first launched by Gov. Bob Casey, an anti-abortion Democrat, who made Pennsylvania the first state to create an official abortion alternative program.

Now, with increased attention on the centers after last year’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Shapiro plans to end the contract with Real Alternatives on Dec. 31.

Shapiro’s decision has angered thousands of residents across the state, who began promptly writing messages to their local lawmakers.

Pennsylvania Senator Scott Martin spoke about the decision on the Senate floor this week, saying he felt it to be “a grievous error.”

“It will take away critical services for moms, dads and babies,” the Republican said, “especially after we negotiated for more funding for this program to make sure they can continue to provide food, shelter, counseling and other services for moms and babies who need it the most.”

Real Alternatives said in a statement they were “shocked” by Shapiro’s decision to cut funding, noting that they’ve served about 350,000 women across the state over the past 28 years.

“We believe the governor has been terribly misinformed about the need for the program and its success,” the organization said. “The services that this program provides to the women of Pennsylvania are crucial.”

But other officials have applauded the end of funding.

“The Shapiro Administration is taking a huge step forward,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh. “Every woman seeking reproductive health care has the right to unbiased, medically accurate care and counsel.”

Signe Espinoza, the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood PA Advocates, slammed crisis pregnancy centers for decades of “preying on the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians with deception and misinformation,” but added that, finally, “that era is ending.”

With News Wire Services