{"id":328254,"date":"2025-03-21T16:44:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T21:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveaction.org\/news\/?p=328254"},"modified":"2025-03-21T12:48:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T17:48:03","slug":"defunding-pregnancy-centers-pennsylvania-governor-mimics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.liveaction.org\/news\/defunding-pregnancy-centers-pennsylvania-governor-mimics\/","title":{"rendered":"After defunding pregnancy centers, Pennsylvania governor starts program that mimics them"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Despite long-time attacks on pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a pilot program meant to provide support, resources, and health care for pregnant women and babies \u2014 essentially mimicking the services PRCs already provide.<\/p>\n

Shapiro and Department of Health Secretary Debra Bogen spoke about the program<\/a> at the opening of the State Health Center in Lock Haven. Bogen specifically said this program is needed to help parents who struggle finding access to care and resources they need.<\/p>\n

For close to 25 years, I, as a pediatrician, provided care to families with newborns in the hospital. In the pediatric outpatient clinic, I had the amazing opportunity to watch those newborns grow into children, teens and young adults. In my role as a pediatrician I also supported parents in their parenting journeys. <\/em><\/p>\n

From these experiences, I know that pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum periods can be joyous and exciting, but they can also be very overwhelming \u2014 especially the first time. <\/em><\/p>\n

That is why the Shapiro Administration is doing everything within its power to help ensure mothers, babies and their families have the support they need to thrive.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bogen pointed out that women can face difficulties finding health care during pregnancy, and services will vary in the program, thanks to a partnership with UPMC of North Central Pennsylvania. Women who visit the centers can receive pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, health assessments, vital sign monitoring, depression screenings, car seat safety checks, and educational sessions, as well as social services, like referrals for mental health, substance abuse, WIC, SNAP, health coverage, food insecurity, housing, transportation and more.<\/p>\n

If this sounds familiar, it’s because these are many of the same services that traditional and medical PRCs already provide.<\/p>\n