Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2057

Introduced
2/23/24  

Caption

In public assistance, repealing provisions relating to expenditure of public funds for abortions limited; and abrogating a regulation.

Impact

The repeal of the existing provision may significantly alter the landscape of public assistance for abortion services in Pennsylvania. By removing limitations on the expenditure of funds, the bill could facilitate increased access to abortions for individuals who rely on state assistance. This move could lead to enhanced support for those facing challenging circumstances when seeking reproductive healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income women and victims of rape or incest. The shift in policy may also set a precedent for similar discussions in other states, influencing the national conversation surrounding public funding for reproductive health services.

Summary

House Bill 2057 aims to amend Pennsylvania's Human Services Code by repealing a provision that limits the expenditure of public funds for abortions. This bill signifies a potential shift in the state's approach to funding reproductive health services, aligning with the views of legislators who advocate for broader access to abortion services. By removing restrictions on the use of public funds, the bill seeks to ensure that low-income individuals have equal access to abortion services, thereby promoting their autonomy in reproductive health decisions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 2057 appears to be optimistic among supporters who view the repeal as a necessary step towards providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Advocates argue that the bill reflects a commitment to supporting women's rights and health choices. However, there are concerns from opposition groups who may view the bill's passage as a controversial shift that could provoke backlash from those opposed to abortion. This division reflects the broader societal debates surrounding reproductive rights and the role of government funding in such issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 2057 include concerns about the ethical implications of using public funds for abortion services. Opponents may argue that state support of abortion could conflict with certain moral viewpoints, leading to significant pushback in the legislature and public discourse. Proponents of the bill counter that access to safe and legal abortion services is critical for women's health and autonomy. This ongoing debate highlights the challenges of reconciling diverse opinions on reproductive rights within legislative bodies and the potential impact of proposed policy changes on different communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1195

In public assistance, repealing provisions relating to expenditure of public funds for abortions limited.

PA HB2056

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA HB583

In public assistance, further providing for reimbursement for certain medical assistance items and services; and abrogating regulations.

PA HB1192

Repealing provisions relating to family planning funding limitations.

PA HB1417

In public assistance, further providing for reimbursement for certain medical assistance items and services; and abrogating regulations.

PA SB955

In public assistance, further providing for reimbursement for certain medical assistance items and services; and abrogating regulations.

PA HB1194

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA HB26

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; and imposing penalties.

PA SB837

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA HB2304

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.