By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Hope can seem in short supply for a pregnant woman facing challenging circumstances. That is why Pennsylvania’s Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program, administered by Real Alternatives, is so critical.
Democratic Governor Robert Casey Sr. put funding in the budget for a first-of-its-kind program back in the ‘90s. Over the years, the program has been championed by noteworthy public servants such as former Congressman Joe Pitts and former state Representative Katie True.
But now, the program is threatened by Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro’s announcement that he plans to cancel Real Alternatives’ contract at the end of the year. This would be a devastating blow to pregnant women throughout the Commonwealth who have come to depend on the program and the life-changing, life-affirming services it provides.
The program offers comprehensive counseling and support to pregnant women up to a year after the birth of their babies. From mentoring to maternity clothes, from parenting classes to partnerships with prenatal care programs, the program provides an umbrella of services to women at a most vulnerable time in their lives.
To send an immediate message to PA lawmakers to safeguard the program and pregnant women from harm, please visit https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/promo/4tc.
Pennsylvania’s Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program is vitally important for the well-being of women across this great Commonwealth. It is up to us to stand in the gap and support the program, which is working miracles each day.