The number of individuals served is nearly 350,000.
The groundbreaking program administered by Real Alternatives, Inc. has served a total of 350,000 women in the state of Pennsylvania.
One might consider the potential consequences of these women—enough to populate a city—having been without the vital services provided by the Pennsylvania Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program. At a time when they are most vulnerable, they would have been left without a caring and compassionate counselor to accompany them through their pregnancy journey.
I am aware of a case in which a woman who was served by the program was evicted from her family home as a result of her pregnancy. In a state of distress and isolation, she sought assistance from a Real Alternatives center. She was able to secure temporary housing, transition to a permanent residence, and give birth to a healthy infant.
Additionally, other women have been able to escape domestic violence situations, while still others have been able to earn GEDs and college degrees as a result of the support provided by the program. The program facilitated access to prenatal care, child immunizations, and well-baby care.
One might consider the potential consequences of the complete elimination of these resources.
The consequence of Governor Josh Shapiro’s plan to rescind Real Alternatives’ contract with the Commonwealth would be the termination of the aforementioned organization’s operations. The proposal would result in the unjust punishment of innocent women and their families.
It is imperative that we take action now to advocate for pregnant women and for Real Alternatives. It is imperative that action be taken to ensure the protection of these most vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
The following items require immediate attention:
1. It is requested that you contact the office of Governor Shapiro and request that he revoke his decision to cancel the contract of Real Alternatives. The telephone number to be contacted is: The telephone number to call is 717-787-2500.
2. It is recommended that you contact your state representative and state senator via email and telephone to request that they take action to prevent the cancellation of Real Alternatives’ contract. An immediate message can be sent by clicking here.
Editor’s note. This appeared at the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
