Jun. 24, 2022
HARRISBURG - The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 1973 decision that struck down a Texas statute banning abortion, effectively legalizing the procedure across the country. Since that has been overruled, decisions regarding the legality of abortion procedures will be up to individual states to determine and regulate. State Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) weighed in on what that could mean for Pennsylvania.
“I believe one of the universal core values of government is the protection of its citizens: born and unborn,” said Klunk. “As co-chair of the Pro-Life Caucus, I will continue to promote legislation that protects the unborn while also valuing women’s health, improving children’s access to health care, supporting schooling, job training and other important programs that lead to opportunity and good quality of life for all.”
House Republicans have advanced several bills to address abortion issues. This includes
House Bill 1500, authored by Klunk, which would prohibit abortions based on fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
House Bill 904 has also been considered. This legislation would prohibit an abortion from being performed if a fetal heartbeat is detected. In addition, an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution was recently proposed to clarify that there is no right to an abortion or abortion funding within the Constitution.
“I feel that the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is prudent. Allowing states the autonomy to create health care laws that best fit its residents is in line with the driving principles our founders used to draft and pass the federal Constitution. I look forward to robust discussion on this issue as we consider Pennsylvania’s plans moving forward,” Klunk added.