Pa. House Judiciary Committee advances key measures to protect health privacy, reproductive rights and public safety
Daley, Shusterman bills move toward a full House vote
Rep. Mary Jo Daley October 22, 2025 | 2:07 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today held a public hearing on a proposed state constitutional amendment (H.B.1957), followed by a voting meeting to advance significant women’s health measures designed to protect medical privacy, strengthen reproductive freedom and safeguard health care providers and patients from out-of-state interference.
The committee heard testimony from advocates, medical professionals and policy experts on H.B. 1957, which would enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution, and the members voted on other women’s health legislation, including the following House bills sponsored by Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chair Mary Jo Daley and state Rep. Melissa Shusterman.
- H.B. 1640 – Would protect health care records related to reproductive services from disclosure in Pennsylvania civil and criminal actions or investigations, ensuring patient confidentiality.
- H.B. 1641 – Would instruct insurance companies to not take adverse action against health care providers that offer reproductive services to out-of-state residents.
- H.B. 1643 – Would prohibit Pennsylvania courts from enforcing judgments from other states in cases involving reproductive health care services, preserving Pennsylvania’s legal independence.
- H.B. 1966 – Would prohibit Pennsylvania courts from cooperating with out-of-state civil and criminal cases involving reproductive health care services and prevent officials from other states from arresting people in Pennsylvania for abortion-related crimes.
“These bills mean that Pennsylvanians – and anyone who seeks care here – deserve privacy, protection and freedom from political interference,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “Health care decisions should be made by patients and health care providers, not by out-of-state politicians or prosecutors.
“By passing these measures, we are standing up for medical privacy, protecting the integrity of Pennsylvania’s health care system and sending a clear message that our state will not criminalize or intimidate those who provide or receive lawful reproductive care. Every person deserves access to safe, legal health care without fear of punishment or exposure.”
“Abortion is a safe, legal, and sometimes a life-saving medical procedure, and it must be accessible for all who need it,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “These bills are steps toward removing burdens that pregnant women face when accessing abortion care.”
The committee’s actions mark another step forward in ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a state where people can access safe, legal health care without fear of punishment, exposure or political interference.
“With discourse in Washington continuing to threaten women’s health and safety under the current federal administration, it’s time for Pennsylvania to step in to protect the medical rights and bodily autonomy of our constituents,” said Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chair state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware. “The communities most impacted by restricted reproductive rights are our most vulnerable – our folks of color, our LGTBQ+ communities, and our lowest earners. These bills don’t only protect the rights of women, they provide additional safeguards for Pennsylvanians most as risk. The time to act is now.”
Other bills advanced during the meeting were:
- H.B. 670 – Would expand protections for individuals accessing reproductive-health facilities by providing civil actions for blocking or obstructing access and strengthening rights under Pennsylvania law.
- H.B. 2005 – Would update provisions in state law related to abortion to ensure clarity in medical consultation, judgment and informed consent requirements.
The bills now move to the full House for further consideration.
“Every single person deserves the freedom to make decisions over their bodily autonomy without fear, shame or government interference. As attacks on reproductive health escalate across the nation, it is imperative that we act urgently to safeguard access to abortion care. We cannot afford to hesitate,” said Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chair state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Montgomery/Delaware. “Now is the time to defend fundamental rights and ensure everyone can make their own choices with dignity.”
The hearing and meeting can be viewed online here.