South Central PA News

Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) and Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) convened a hearing with the House Republican Policy Committee today in Harrisburg to discuss pregnancy resource centers and supporting Pennsylvania parents.

Pregnancy resource centers assist mothers and fathers facing unplanned pregnancies by providing free prenatal testing, medical procedures like ultrasounds, parenting classes, counseling services, and material resources such as diapers and formula. The impact of these centers often extends beyond childbirth.

"Pregnancy resource centers play an integral role in the health of children and families in our communities. The testimony we heard during today’s hearing was powerful; and it made it clear these centers do a world of good. The people who staff them go above and beyond their job description to aid and encourage Pennsylvania families," Klunk said. "The impact of these centers can be seen across generations, and they deserve our full support. Pregnancy resource centers provide something everyone can benefit from, whether in a crisis pregnancy circumstance or not, and should be widely recognized for the critical work they do, not slandered for their efforts to preserve and protect life."

"The testifiers who shared their personal stories before the committee should be commended, as should the service providers who are on the front lines helping our communities. Pregnancy resource centers inspire courage and perform life-changing work that creates strong families," said Schemel. "The testifiers asked we consider expanding these programs beyond the current one-year limit so families obtaining these important services can continue to benefit, and I’m ready to explore those options."

"One of the most rewarding life experiences is becoming a parent," said Rep. Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), chairman of the House Policy Committee. "As a father of eight children, it is of utmost importance to me to ensure all mothers and fathers receive the necessary care as they approach parenthood. I agree with former Democrat Gov. Bob Casey who said, ‘Pregnancy resource centers, and the services they provide help to fight the poison of hopelessness with love.’ Thank you to Reps. Klunk and Schemel, as well as all of the testifiers for coming together to show how these resource centers provide hope to parents and soon-to-be parents."

Hearing testifiers included Amy Scheuring, executive director of Women’s Choice Network; Jill Hartman, executive director at A Woman’s Concern; Chelsey Youman, national legislative advisor and Texas state director of Human Coalition; Quinn Laffin; Chrystal Morales; Lindsay Smith; Nicholas Luccarella—all clients of Women’s Choice Network or A Woman’s Concern.

The client testifiers unanimously emphasized the positive impact these centers had on their lives through timely assistance tailored to their emotional and material needs while forming lasting relationships with organizations that recognize both female clients' needs along with crucial support programs for male partners.

Luccarella noted that his involvement in Courageous Dads helped him realize he is not alone: “With friendship support from other fathers,” he stated he has matured significantly as a dad.

Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act underpins shared values between lawmakers' efforts alongside community-centered resources stating: “In every relevant civil or criminal proceeding where possible without violating federal Constitution—common statutory law constructs extend unborn equal protection laws furthering Commonwealth public policy encouraging childbirth over abortion.”

For inquiries about this hearing or other state-related issues contact Rep Klunk's office at 717-630-8942.

Representative Kate A Klunk169th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House Representatives Media Contact: Katelin Morrison7172606374kmorrison@pahousegop.com