News
Constitutional Amendment on "Reproductive Freedom" Advances in PA House (HB1957)
A proposed amendment to enshrine abortion, contraception, and fertility care rights in the PA Constitution passed the House by a single vote in December 2025. It still needs a second legislative passage and voter approval before taking effect.
House Bill 1957 is a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would enshrine a right to "reproductive freedom" — covering abortion, contraception, and fertility care — directly into the state's founding document. It is sponsored by Reps. Danielle Friel Otten, Liz Hanbidge, and La'Tasha D. Mayes.
The measure passed the state House on December 17, 2025 by a single vote, in a chamber where Democrats hold only a one-seat majority. Two Democrats voted against it and two Republicans voted for it, reflecting how close and cross-partisan the vote was.
Because it is a constitutional amendment rather than an ordinary bill, HB1957 must pass the legislature again in the next consecutive legislative session, and then be approved by Pennsylvania voters in a statewide referendum, before it could take effect. It has not yet become law.
Pro-life advocates, including the Pennsylvania Family Council, warn the amendment would jeopardize existing safeguards such as restrictions on taxpayer-funded abortion and could eliminate parental consent requirements for minors.
Source: Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus press release; Pennsylvania Family Council; Keystone Newsroom.