The same week we mourn the second year since Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) overturned  Roe v. Wade (1973), the PA State House came through for everyday people and passed HB1140. This bill would require health insurance policies in PA to cover all FDA-approved contraception drugs, devices, products, and services without cost-sharing, a statewide standing order for contraceptives, a three-month initial supply of contraceptives with a one-year refill of contraceptive drugs, and HIPAA-like confidentiality requirements to protect folks seeking contraceptives. This is a huge win for Pennsylvanians and our bodily autonomy! 

Now, the bill heads to the state Senate for consideration. Contact your state senator today and demand they vote in favor of letting Pennsylvanians decide on our own reproductive care.

Since Dobbs, we’ve seen folks across the country suffer because of trigger laws, conservative state governments, and courts that prioritize money over people. In some states, residents are being threatened with jail time and forced to travel out of state to get access to this essential care if they can afford it. Currently, ten states ban abortion with no exceptions, and twenty have abortion bans or early gestational limits. It’s more important than ever to come together and ensure that PA remains a safe state for reproductive care by electing pro-choice candidates and holding our elected officials accountable.

We keep each other safe. We’re coming together across race, place, and generation to elect leaders who put our communities and the resources we need first. Co-governance is key to gaining access to resources we need, and building stronger communities is the way we get there. Grab a neighbor or two and get involved in your community by signing up for a local chapter event, or respond to this to get involved statewide!

 — Edwin, Mary, and Hannah: PA Stands Up Comms Team