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Senator Maria Collett Introduces Menstrual Equity Legislation

Senator Maria Collett Introduces Menstrual Equity Legislation

North Wales, Pa. – October 7, 2019 – Today, Senator Maria Collett (D-12, Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation to establish the “Pennsylvania Menstrual Equity Act,” to ensure that Menstrual Products (“MPs”) are made available in public bathroom facilities....

Women’s physical and mental health have been devalued for far too long, and it’s time we change that. As a member of the Women’s Health and Black Maternal Health caucuses, I’ve been working tirelessly in Harrisburg to tackle some of the top issues affecting women’s health across our Commonwealth. Some of my top priorities are:

Menstrual Equity

Every single Pennsylvanian should be able to access essential healthcare services and the items they need to live healthy, full lives. Yet 2 in 5 menstruators are struggling to afford period products in the U.S. It’s clear that period poverty must be treated as the critical healthcare issue it is.

I’ve been working with local nonprofits, county officials, and fellow lawmakers to ensure period products are affordable, accessible, and destigmatized in Pennsylvania.

So far, we have secured:

Protecting Abortion Access

Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to decide what is best for themselves and their families, including the decision to get an abortion. Despite ongoing attacks on reproductive care by anti-choice politicians, abortion is still safe and legal in Pennsylvania, and I’ve been fighting to make sure this remains the case.

Learn more about abortion access in Pennsylvania. 

Prioritizing Black Maternal Health

Black birthing Pennsylvanians are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality and morbidity issues. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’ve been working closely with lawmakers in both chambers to ensure the PA Momnibus package moves through the General Assembly and to Governor Shapiro’s desk.

Learn more about the caucus’ priorities and the Momnibus package.

Abortion Access in PA

Is abortion still legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade does not change residents’ and non-residents’ right to access abortion services in Pennsylvania.

Under Pennsylvania law, abortions are legal through the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy and can occur after that time when the health of the pregnant woman is in danger. Both procedural and medication abortions are still legal in Pennsylvania.

More information on Pennsylvania’s abortion law can be found here

Why do we need abortion access in Pennsylvania?

Women have many different reasons for obtaining an abortion, and often it’s for their own safety if their pregnancy poses health risks. No matter someone’s reasoning for obtaining an abortion, an abortion is a safe way to end a pregnancy that must remain safe and legal.

With extreme abortion bans on the rise across the country, states like Pennsylvania act as safe havens for birthing individuals seeking essential health care that is clearly a necessity for thousands of Americans:

  • Abortions in PA among out-of-state residents rose nearly 41% in 2022, most coming from neighboring Ohio, Delaware, and West Virginia.
  • In 2023, 171,000 people left their home states seeking an abortion in other states with abortion access.
  • There were 34,838 abortions in PA since 2022 (a 15% increase from 2018)

Source: Gantz, Sarah, and Stephen Stirling. “Out-of-state Residents Drove an Increase in Abortions in Pennsylvania in 2022.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 23, 2024. https://www.inquirer.com/health/pennsylvania-out-of-state-abortion-rate-20240623.html

What are some barriers to abortion care?

Although medication abortion is safe and effective, many women have difficulties accessing care. Barriers to safe legal abortion include

  • Money
  • Travel logistics
  • Limited clinics
  • State restrictions

These factors all result in delayed care, negative mental health consequences, and the consideration of unsafe methods to end a pregnancy. Black and Brown communities and low-income earners are disproportionately impacted. 

Have PA legislators introduced bills to restrict or ban abortion?

Yes, legislators have introduced multiple bills every session to restrict abortion access in Pennsylvania. In the 2023-24 session, those proposals include bills like:  

Legislation

I am proud to have introduced and cosponsored dozens of pieces of legislation that would prioritize and protect women’s health across the Commonwealth.

Recently Passed Legislation

Enhanced Insurance Coverage for Life-Saving BCRA Testing and Breast Cancer Screenings

Senate Bill 8

Ward/Robinson/Pennycuick

This act amends The Insurance Company Law of 1921 to remove out-of-pocket costs associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes as well as supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Establishing the Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board

Senate Bill 721

Schwank

An Act establishes the Women, Infants and Children State Advisory Board to advise the Department of Health on its operation of programs to increase enrollment and utilization.

Maternal Morbidity

Senate Bill 262

Schwank

This act amends the Maternal Mortality Review Act, adding “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

Proposed Legislation

The Pennsylvania Menstrual Equity Act

Senate Bill 906

Collett/Cappelletti

Referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on Feb. 12, 2024

This bill would require Pennsylvania’s public agencies serving those who are young, low-income, homeless, or incarcerated to make period products available at no cost.

Accessibility to Menstrual Hygiene Products

Senate Bill 1016

Schwank/Collett/Cappelletti

Referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Dec. 12, 2023

This bill would require federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to cover the cost of menstrual products.

Access to Contraceptives

Senate Bill 353

Schwank/Collett

*Awaiting Introduction in the Senate

This bill would expand access to contraceptives, requiring insurers to provide coverage for them (including coverage for 12 months of birth control at one time), eliminate most co-payments for related coverage, lift pre-authorizations on certain contraceptives.

The Reproductive Freedom Act*

Companion Bill to HB 2304

Cappelletti/Schwank

*Awaiting Introduction in the Senate

This legislation would repeal PA’s current “Abortion Control Act” and replace it with a new framework that treats abortion as health care, with an emphasis on protecting patients’ independence and privacy.

Workplace Accommodations for Pregnant Individuals

Senate Bill 995

Cappelletti

Referred to Senate Labor and Industry Committee on Dec. 8, 2023

This bill would make it unlawful for an employer to refuse an employee’s request for reasonable accommodation should a worker’s ability to perform their job functions be limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. It would also forbid employers from denying employment opportunities to employees based on their requests for accommodations.

Establishment of a Statewide Rape Kit Tracking System

Senate Bill 579

Muth

Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on April 17, 2023

This bill would establish a statewide rape kit tracking system and convene an advisory committee to come up with best practices in creating and maintaining the tracking system.

Shackling of Incarcerated Pregnant Individuals

Senate Bill 994

Cappelletti

Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 8, 2023

This bill would amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to strengthen restrictions on the use of restraints on incarcerated or detained people at any stage of pregnancy, and strengthen training, accountability and reporting requirements.

Healthy Start Act

Senate Bill 573

Cappelletti/Schwank

Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on April 17, 2023

This bill will provide the option for individuals who are pregnant or give birth while incarcerated to be placed in community-based settings as an alternative to incarceration. During placement, the pregnant individual will stay with the child and receive appropriate treatment and supportive services, including prenatal care and parenting classes.

Recognizing Period Positivity Day in Pennsylvania

 Senate Resolution 218

Cappelletti/Schwank/Collett

Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 6, 2023

Resolution recognizing Period Positivity Day in Pennsylvania to normalize menstruation as an integral part of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Fourth Trimester Awareness Day

Senate Resolution 298

Cappelletti/Collett/Muth/Schwank

Referred to Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee on May 28, 2024

Resolution recognizing Fourth Trimester Care Day to bring attention to the need for Fourth Trimester care and raise awareness of the attendant benefits for both carrying parents and infants.

Accessibility to Menstrual Hygiene Products

Senate Resolution 215

Schwank/Collett/Cappelletti

Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Dec. 12, 2023

Resolution urging Congress to pass legislation on applicable safety-net programs to include menstrual products as a covered benefit.

Period Action Day

Senate Resolution 188

Cappelletti/Collett

Referred to Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee Nov. 9, 2023

Resolution recognizing Period Action Day in Pennsylvania to reduce period stigma and raise awareness about period poverty.