Jan. 29, 2024
HARRISBURG — Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered the Commonwealth Court to determine whether the prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortions is unconstitutional.
Currently, abortions are legal in Pennsylvania for any reason up to 24 weeks. Under our Medicaid program, abortions are covered in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.
Reps. Kathy L. Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) and Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), co-chairs of the Pro Life Caucus, issued this statement following the move:
“Contrary to what some may believe, this does not mean Pennsylvanians’ tax dollars will be used to fund all abortions in the Commonwealth. Today’s ruling does not change current Medicaid coverage guidelines.
“However, the administration is looking to liberalize our state’s abortion law, and this case seems like another attempt to do just that. We don’t believe the majority of our citizens want their tax money funding abortions.
“We agree with portions of the dissenting opinions in today’s ruling. This case is not about whether abortion is a constitutional right. Rather, this case is about the constitutionality of taxpayer-funded abortions. As the PA Supreme Court already decided this issue in a unanimous opinion in 1985, we do not believe that decision should be disturbed.
“We must allow the litigation process to reach its conclusion before deciding our next steps. We will continue to monitor this case until the court hands down a final decision. But rest assured, we will keep fighting for the Commonwealth’s women, children and families.”
Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Representative Kate Klunk
169th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jake Gillespie
717.772.9834
Katelin Morrison
717.260.6374