The recent federal defunding of Planned Parenthood is cause for rejoicing in the pro-life movement, but accessibility to the abortion pill, as well as pro-abortion legislation being pushed in the PA State House, means that the fight for Life is more intense than ever.
How common is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is currently the most common abortion method; in fact, 63% or two-thirds of all reported abortions in the US are now done with the abortion pill.
In 2022, there were 1,064 reported abortions in Berks County. This number does not include the abortions that were not reported or for women who ordered the abortion pill online without a doctor’s authorization. Women who have serious complications after a medication abortion and go to the ER often do not disclose that they are experiencing an abortion, and physicians are not required to report these visits.
In PA, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the abortion pill?
The most common abortion pill is a combination of two different drugs taken 24 to 48 hours apart. The first pill, Mifepristone blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone from reaching the baby, causing the baby to die. The second pill, Misoprostol causes severe cramping which expels the baby from the uterus, ending the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women who are up to 10 weeks pregnant or 70 days or less from the first day of their last menstrual period. Taking the abortion pill is also known as a “medical” or “medication abortion.”
For more information on the abortion pill, please see the May 19 blog.
In addition to the abortion pill, PA legislation is another threat to the unborn.
What is happening in PA?
Currently, the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives is introducing legislation that would dismantle PA’s Abortion Control Act which protects women and minors by requiring informed consent, parental consent and a 24-hour waiting period before receiving an abortion.
House Bill 26, “The Reproductive Freedom Act,” seeks to make abortion on demand even easier in PA.
If passed, House Bill 26 would:
- remove the required 24-hour waiting period.
- remove required physician-only consultations.
- repeal or relax required parental consent for minors.
- allow abortions beyond 24 weeks if a doctor believes a woman’s mental health is at risk.
- remove the option for businesses to opt-out of insurance plans which include abortion coverage.
- introduce laws against “reproductive coercion,” which is defined as “interfering with someone’s decision about abortion.”
If passed, laws against “reproductive coercion” could be used to silence pregnancy centers who are telling women the truth about their pregnancies and abortion risks.
At Mercy, we lovingly give truthful and accurate information, never with pressure or coercion. We believe women should make their own informed decisions after hearing all the facts. Mercy provides free services and support to women no matter what decision they make.
All who are pro-life in PA need to be engaged with state lawmakers. Now is the time to make your voice heard.
