Rep. Kathy L. Rapp, Republican chair of the House Health Committee, responded on April 21 to the Commonwealth Court’s decision in Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which reversed a longstanding ban on using taxpayer funds for most abortions under the state’s Medical Assistance program.
The case is significant because it changes how abortion services may be funded in Pennsylvania and introduces a new constitutional right to reproductive autonomy as interpreted by the court.
“The Commonwealth Court’s ruling is an example of legislating from the bench. What started out as a case challenging the Commonwealth’s ban of using taxpayer funds to pay for most abortions turned into a ruling that creates a constitutional right to reproductive autonomy,” Rapp said in her statement. She added, “The ban on taxpayer funding of abortions was upheld by our state Supreme Court over four decades ago. Now, the judiciary has determined this same prohibition is unconstitutional. What this means is taxpayers will be required to fund abortions under our Medical Assistance program.”
Rapp also said, “But the court didn’t stop there. It legislated ever further by declaring a constitutional right to reproductive autonomy… This ruling strips away what the people, through their elected representatives, have continually declined to adopt.” She continued by noting that state law regulating abortion remains in effect but warned that “this ruling will now make it more difficult for the General Assembly to protect the lives of unborn children.” Rapp concluded her remarks stating she would continue advocating for unborn rights.
Rapp has served as Pennsylvania State Representative for the 65th Legislative District and as Republican co-chair of the Pennsylvania House Pro-Life Caucus according to her official website. She sponsored legislation designating memorials such as naming Route 62 Bridge and securing markers honoring military service members according to her official website. Additionally, she sponsored efforts removing veterans’ disability payments from income eligibility calculations under property tax relief programs according to her official website.
Rapp resides in Warren and is noted as both a mother and grandmother according to her official website.
