Reproductive Rights Under Fire
- ablue49
- Oct 6, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 8
The Fund invites you to be civically engaged with us. Whether you are new to all this political stuff or you are a seasoned activist, we welcome you to come view oral arguments in front of the PA Supreme Court in this very important case and stay after to discuss the issues raised, arguments and counter arguments, and the impact on women seeking to access reproductive healthcare particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged and underserved. Please note, we are not lawyers and will not provide a legal analysis.
Wednesday, Nov 5th 9:30 – 11 am113 E. Evans Street, West Chester
Click HERE to tell us you are coming. Email Blake at bemmanuel@thefundcc.org for any questions.
If you can’t join us, and want to watch on your own….visit:
What is the Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services case about?This is a lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania’s state law that prohibits Medicaid from covering abortion services. Because of this restriction, thousands of women and birthing people—especially those who are low-income or people of color—cannot access essential reproductive healthcare.
Who filed the lawsuit, and why?Allegheny Reproductive Health Center filed the lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. They argue that banning Medicaid coverage for abortion violates two key parts of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Which parts of the state Constitution does the lawsuit say the ban violates?
The Equal Rights Amendment, which guarantees equality under the law regardless of sex.
The Non-Discrimination Clause (Article I, Section 26), which prohibits the state from denying civil rights based on individual characteristics.
Has the court made any decisions so far?Yes. In January 2024, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Medicaid abortion coverage ban is presumptively unconstitutional. This means the Court believes the ban likely violates the Constitution and allowed the case to move forward in Commonwealth Court for further proceedings. In spring of 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral arguments and was expected to make a ruling in early summer 2025. However, as a result of a new Attorney General being elected and challenging the Court to allow for a re-arguing, a new oral arguments date was set. November 5th, 2025, the Court will hear oral arguments from both sides again.
Why is this case important?This case argues that denying abortion coverage through Medicaid is discriminatory. The impact is significant: people who rely on Medicaid for healthcare are blocked from accessing the full range of reproductive care. This deepens racial, and ethnic economic inequities across Pennsylvania.
What happens next?A final decision was first expected in June 2025. However, after a request from the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Court will now hear a second round of oral arguments on November 5th, 2025. The 7-member court will then deliberate and issue a decision likely in wintertime.
Why could this be a turning point for reproductive rights in PA?If the court rules in favor of Allegheny Reproductive Health Center, abortion coverage could be restored for thousands of women and birthing people across the Commonwealth who rely on Medicare for health insurance—transforming access to care and advancing reproductive freedom in Pennsylvania.
Where can I learn more about this case?You can explore these resources for more details:
