PA Senate, House Move To Remove Abortion Protections

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a 28-22 vote, Pennsylvania senators advanced a motion that would amend the state constitution. The amendment would allow language to say the state constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion or to taxpayer-funded abortions. The house passed the approval late Friday night after hours of debate. “This amendment does not ban abortion,” said Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland County). “This is just us giving the people of Pennsylvania the ability to put their voice into the laws of Pennsylvania.” State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) called the measure “disturbing,” and said he would continue to fight for women to have the right to choose what they do with their bodies. Sen. Costa says this amendment, which cannot be vetoed by the governor, could be on the ballot for voters to decide as early as May of 2023.