Pennsylvania court strikes down ban on use of Medicaid funds for abortions
Summary
A Pennsylvania court ruled that the state constitution guarantees a right to abortion and struck down a law banning the use of Medicaid funds for abortion costs. This decision supports abortion access and marks the first time Pennsylvania law protects abortion rights, but it may still be appealed.Key Facts
- The ruling came from a seven-judge panel of Pennsylvania’s appellate commonwealth court.
- The court found a right to reproductive autonomy under the Pennsylvania constitution.
- The decision removes a long-standing ban on using state Medicaid money for abortions.
- The case began in 2019 when Planned Parenthood and clinics sued over Medicaid abortion funding limits.
- The ruling follows the 2022 US Supreme Court decision that ended federal abortion protections by overturning Roe v. Wade.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro supported the ruling and did not defend the ban.
- The state attorney general’s office is reviewing the decision and has not said if it will appeal.
- Opponents criticize the decision, arguing it forces taxpayers to fund abortions against their beliefs.
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