Harrisburg, PA − August 4, 2023 − The Chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, Senator Judith Schwank (D-11 Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery/Delaware), Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-148 Montgomery), and Representative Gina Curry (D-164 Delaware) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color, Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24 Allegheny) released the following statement in response to the news that Governor Shapiro will end Pennsylvania’s contract with Real Alternatives:
“Since 1995, our commonwealth has shamefully funneled public grant money to an organization known as Real Alternatives, which funds Anti-Abortion Centers (also known as Crisis Pregnancy Centers or CPCs). These centers are known for pretending to provide health care services to pregnant women when in reality, they have a singular goal of dissuading women from receiving abortions and have long track records of giving their clients dubious advice from non-medical professionals. Public money given to Real Alternatives has historically included federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, which is intended to provide cash assistance to low-income Pennsylvanians.
Our Caucus has been vocal in calling out Crisis Pregnancy Centers and advocating for the end of Pennsylvania’s arrangement with Real Alternatives. Defunding Real Alternatives was the top priority for our Caucus during this year’s budget negotiations. We are proud those efforts have paid off, and effective December 31, 2023, taxpayer dollars will no longer flow to Real Alternatives.
The members of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus applaud Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh for taking decisive action and terminating Pennsylvania’s contract with Real Alternatives.
This is the result of a major, decades long advocacy campaign that has included our Caucus, outside advocates, and others who care about trustworthy healthcare access. We will continue to fight for accessible, affordable reproductive healthcare, as well as our other priorities – but today, we’re celebrating.”
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