As PA State Senator Steve Santarsiero says:
While abortion is currently safe and legal in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth is dangerously close to passing a constitutional amendment leading to a ban on abortion in PA. The first step happened in July, when Senate Bill 106 passed the full Senate. I am ardently opposed to this bill, and I voted NO.
The next step in the process is for voters to elect the members of the 2023-24 General Assembly in the election on November 8, 2022. Then, an identical bill to SB 106 must be passed by the new General Assembly, before appearing as a referendum for voters on the ballot.
The majority of Pennsylvanians support a woman’s right to make her own reproductive health decisions and Governor Wolf has made clear he will veto any legislation restricting access to abortion here in Pennsylvania. However, an amendment to the state constitution does not require the Governor’s signature. Senate Republicans are doing an end-run around the Governor to place the abortion ban constitutional amendment on the ballot for a municipal primary election when they know the fewest number of people will vote.
This is unacceptable. We have come too far to turn back the clock now. I will continue to fight to protect women’s reproductive rights and I will continue to vote against any measure to ban access to abortion in Pennsylvania.