Pennsylvania House Committee Advances Multiple Abortion Rights Bills Including Constitutional Amendment

The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has advanced several controversial abortion-related measures, including seven bills aimed at protecting and expanding abortion rights and funding within the state. These bills include protections for abortion providers from out-of-state legal actions, removal of informed consent requirements, and criminalization of protests outside abortion clinics, drawing criticism from pro-life advocates who label them as radical. Additionally, a joint resolution to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to explicitly guarantee reproductive rights, including abortion, contraception, and fertility care, has also passed the committee on a party-line vote. Supporters argue the amendment is necessary following the 2022 Dobbs decision that shifted abortion policy to states, while opponents warn it would remove existing restrictions and allow abortions late in pregnancy for any reason, describing it as one of the most extreme laws in the country. The amendment requires passage in two consecutive legislative sessions and voter approval before becoming law. The debate reflects deep political divisions over abortion policy in Pennsylvania, with Democrats pushing to enshrine reproductive rights and Republicans opposing these measures as harmful to families and life.