SB 3, SB 732, HB 383, & HB 1474

The Pennsylvania legislature is back in session, and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has indicated that support is needed for

• SB 3 ("An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for compliance with Federal health care legislation." As the PACC has explained, "Senate Bill 3 is a proposal that will clearly prohibit the taxpayer supported insurance plans from covering abortion."), and



• SB 732 ("An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, further providing for definitions, for licensure, for application for license and for issuance of license; and making an inconsistent repeal." As per the PACC, "Senate Bill 732...thanks to the Mensch Amendment...would hold abortion facilities to the same fire and safety standards, personnel and equipment requirements, and quality assurance procedures as other freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities. The Mensch Amendment was a courageous stand for the pro-life cause." Weakening amendments must NOT be added.).

Hopefully, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference will also announce its specific support for

• HB 383 ("An Act providing for freedom of conscience of health care providers and health care institutions.") &



• HB 1434 ("A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for marriage.").

In comparison to the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference's very visible activism on school choice concerns, the support given to life and marriage/family issues can seem like faint praise.


By contrast, "action" messages from other Catholic Conferences are clearly prioritizing Life & Marriage/Family Issues: