HARRISBURG, PA – April 20, 2026 − The Commonwealth Court today issued a ruling finding that reproductive choice is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PA Constitution and that the state’s ban on coverage of abortion services in MA violates the Equal Rights Amendment and the equal protection provision of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
In response Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“Today’s ruling by the Commonwealth Court recognizing reproductive autonomy as a fundamental constitutional right is a tremendous victory for every woman, especially those who rely on Medicaid to get the care they need. The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has long maintained that a woman’s decision about whether, when, and how to raise a family is a fundamental right, and we are deeply grateful that today’s decision by the Commonwealth Court brings Pennsylvania into line with this key value. While much remains to be discussed and passed, today is a day to celebrate, as we expand access to care for thousands of women and families in Pennsylvania.”
Along with House Democrats, Senate Democrats filed two amicus briefs in the case in support of the Women’s Rights Bill and abortion providers, arguing that the bill prohibiting state dollars from funding abortion care violates the Equal Rights Amendment and equal protection laws.
Learn more about AP Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa praised the Commonwealth Court’s decision ending the state’s ban on reproductive health care spending, the first appearance in Pennsylvania’s Senate Democrats.
