Updates below include:

• Alleghany v. PA DHS
• The Family Care Act passed the House
• Black Maternal Health Week
• Primary elections are next week
• PA Budget update
• The Fund's upcoming events

What are we watching?

Alerts on current issues...

Alleghany v PA DHS

In PA, state law is such that abortion services cannot be covered by Medicaid. Allegheny Reproductive Health Center sued the PA Department of Health after a January 2024 ruling in which the PA Supreme Court said that the state’s law was “presumptively unconstitutional”. This case, Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Commonwealth Court in a case that seeks to eliminate Pennsylvania’s Medicaid coverage exclusion of abortion. On Monday, April 20th, 2026, the Commonwealth Court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional based on access being a matter of bodily autonomy protected in Pennsylvania's constitution - a protection that is not waived simply because an individual relies on Medicaid to access healthcare.

This ruling is a big step in the right direction. Likely this will be appealed, which would send it to the PA Supreme Court (this is why elections matter!)

What does this mean and what happens next? To learn more, click HERE.

So what does this mean and what are next steps?

The bill that passed the House was amended (meaning, changed from its original form prior to the final vote). That bill now is in the Senate waiting for a vote (along with Sen. Robinson's original bill, SB906). To learn more about what is in the amended House bill, click HERE.

To join us in our efforts to make paid leave a reality here in PA - click HERE. We need your support - this will only happen if enough people speak up in favor of The Family Care Act!

You can also sign a petition HERE to tell your Senator that you want the Family Care Act to be voted on.

Momnibus 2.0 

In the PA House, Representatives Cephus, Curry, and Mayes created the Black Maternal Health Caucus - a caucus focused on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women.

Did you know?

Black women in PA are 2-3 times more likely to die during pregnancy/childbirth and more than 80% of deaths are preventable. The statistics speak for themselves.

The Momnibus 2.0 is a series of bills that have been introduced in the PA House to address maternal health disparities that Black women face. To learn more about the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the Momnibus 2.0, click HERE.

On Tuesday, April 14th, The Fund joined several advocates in the Capitol for Black Maternal Health Week; attending a press conference, doing lit drops, round tables, and policy hearings. It is up to all of us to be present, learn, and advocate.

What can you do?

We are currently advocating for the House to call SB507 - The Midwifery Modernization Act - to a vote! The Senate has already passed this bill which would update law in a way that increases accessibility to midwives without compromising the field of medicine and best practices. Email Blake to get a script, template, and contact information. This is a simply, quick way to advocate for women!

Primary Elections (still!)

Primaries are next month! This is the time to make sure you know what is on your ballot, where your polling place is, and mobilize your friends and family! Even if your ballot doesn't have much "competition" (read: contested races, more than one person running for one seat), voting at each and every election is important for many reasons. It building habits, providing voting data, and more. Want to find out what is on your ballot and where to vote? Click HERE!

Important dates:

• Last day to register to vote: May 4, 2026 Register to vote HERE!
• Last day to apply for a mail in ballot: May 12, 2026 
• Election day: May 19, 2026  

Committee of 70 has a great tool to see what is on your ballot. Doing as much research as possible prior to voting is made easy with their tool to see who is on your ballot and information about the candidates.

Click HERE to read more about the primaries and what you can do.

PA Budget Update

Negotiations began earlier than usual this year, with both sides seeming to agree that avoiding an impasse like last year is their goal. That said, there is a great divide between parties as to what the budget priorities should be. PANO has an explainer for what this could mean for nonprofits, and Penn Policy Center has a frequently updated tracker and lots of budget related resources and information.

The House passed a preliminary budget on April 14th that now awaits for a vote in the Senate.

Why is this important to The Fund? Nonprofits and social services are deeply impacted by state and federal budgets. When funding is reduced, services are defunded, or appropriations are paused during an impasse, nonprofits and the people they serve are hurt the most. Understanding the issues and how they impact women and girls helps us be better advocates.

Upcoming Events at The Fund!

May 29 Our 30th Anniversary Women's Rights Breakfast: A milestone celebration featuring a community performance that reimagines the Declaration of Independence through diverse gender and racial perspectives. (a featured Dare to Declare spoken word performance and journey through the 250 years of USA) 

September 16 Moms First Film & Discussion: A screening and conversation exploring how our systems undervalue caregiving and what it will take to change that.

October 29 Witches Night Out: Back after a sold-out debut, this is an evening of connection, celebration, and collective (magical) power.

We would love to see you at our events - more information is on our website!

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