By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
The Shapiro Administration appears to be trying to hijack funds from a successful, decades long program benefiting pregnant women in a blatant political attack against pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes throughout Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced his intention to cancel the contract of Real Alternatives, a stellar organization that administers the Commonwealth’s Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program.
When lawmakers passed the Pennsylvania budget earlier this summer, a line item was included for the program. But now, the Administration has issued a request for applications for a decidedly different program—not the life-affirming counseling and mentoring program that has successfully served more than 350,000 women in its 27-year history.
This new women’s services program does not meet the clear history and legislative intent of the funding line nor the language of the fiscal code, which must be enacted in order for funds to be disbursed.
It is clear that Catholic Charities, maternity homes, and pregnancy support centers are being sent an obvious message: “Need not apply.”
The Governor’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the Commonwealth, prompting thousands of Pennsylvanians to send messages to their state lawmakers, strenuously objecting to the efforts to cancel Real Alternatives’ contract.
But we must continue to lobby legislators to take action to thwart the Governor’s ill-conceived plan.
To take immediate action, please visit the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation website at www.paprolife.org .
Pregnant women and their babies are relying on us for their support!