Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Commends Commonwealth Court Decision Ending State Prohibition on Reproductive Healthcare Spending

HARRISBURG, PA - April 20, 2026 − Today, the Commonwealth Court issued a decision holding that reproductive choice is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PA constitution, and that the state's MA coverage prohibition on abortion services violates the Equal Rights Amendment and equal protection provisions of the Pennsylvania constitution.

In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:

"Today's Commonwealth Court ruling recognizing reproductive autonomy as a fundamental constitutional right is an enormous victory for every woman, especially those who rely on Medicaid to get the care they need. The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has long held that a woman's decision whether, when, and how to have a family is a fundamental right, and we are deeply grateful that the Commonwealth Court's decision today aligns Pennsylvania with this key value. While much remains to be debated and legislated, today is a day for celebration as we expand access to care for thousands of Pennsylvania's women and families."

Alongside the House Democrats, Senate Democrats filed two amicus briefs in this case in support of the Women's Law Project and abortion providers, arguing that the statute prohibiting state dollars from funding abortion care violated the Equal Rights Amendment and the equal protection provisions.

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats' commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.

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