TASK FORCE TACKLES EMERGING CHALLENGES TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE ACCESS

Stakeholders convened today to collaborate on best strategies for protecting Philadelphians against current and future attacks on reproductive rights.

Philadelphia - Today, over two dozen advocates, healthcare providers, legal experts, and representatives from City agencies convened for the first meeting of Philadelphia's newly established Reproductive Freedom Task Force. Authorized by Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, the Task Force brought together local stakeholders to identify emerging challenges and put forward proactive solutions to ensure that reproductive healthcare remains safe and accessible in Philadelphia.

"Regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, working families deserve access to safe, affordable reproductive healthcare," said Minority Leader Kendra Brooks (At-Large), who serves as Chair of the Task Force. "This Task Force will assess how mounting attacks on reproductive freedom nationwide are impacting care here in Philadelphia, including increased security threats and a surge in patients from states where abortion is banned. Working together, we will ensure that our city remains a safe haven for patients and providers of reproductive care."

Since 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, over 30 states have passed restrictions on abortion. Task Force members described how that decision has impacted their work locally and shared widespread concern that reproductive healthcare could be further limited in Pennsylvania.

"I see it firsthand in my practice," said Dr. Chioma Ndubisi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine. "More and more, I care for patients traveling from as far as Texas and Florida, seeking the essential healthcare they can no longer access in their home states."

"We are responding locally to a national threat," said Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large). "Reproductive rights are human rights, and we will continue to push for solutions that improve lives, address disparities, and protect the bodily autonomy of every individual in our city."

"For so long, it felt like my only choice was to sit, cross my fingers, and watch other people make decisions about my generation's future," said Eliza Cucchiara, a senior in high school and one of three youth members of the Task Force. "I am honored to have the chance to speak up on behalf of my generation."

The Task Force includes representatives from a broad range of local organizations and agencies, including area hospitals and health clinics, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Women's Law Project, Women Against Abuse, ACLU of PA, the Department of Public Health, and the Law Department. Stakeholders emphasized the holistic nature of reproductive healthcare, extending beyond abortion to encompass menstrual health, sexuality education, and birth control.

"Menstrual and uterine health care are not just medical concerns," said Lynette Medley, Founder and CEO of No More Secrets. "They are fundamental to reproductive justice, ensuring every person has the right to live with dignity, autonomy, and access to the care they need."

"At Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, your healthcare is our top priority," said Signe Espinoza, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates. "Count on this: No matter what lies ahead, we will continue to provide the care and resources you need to be able to make well-informed decisions to lead safe and healthy lives."

The Task Force plans to break into subcommittees and will release a set of recommendations based on their work.

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