Pennsylvania plans to end on Dec. 31 its longstanding contract with the nonprofit Real Alternatives, the first organization in the nation to secure significant state and federal subsidies to support anti-abortion counseling centers. Under the program, Real Alternatives distributed the state and federal funds to dozens of Pennsylvania centers, including Catholic Charities, anti-abortion counseling centers and maternity homes, which provide support and housing for pregnant women.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement his administration would not “continue that pattern” of subsidizing the organization, saying he was steadfast in defending abortion access.

Tens of millions of taxpayer dollars across the U.S. have been sent to such organizations, which are typically religiously affiliated. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion last year, Republican-led states have sent more tax dollars to what are sometimes called “crisis pregnancy centers,” while Democratic-leaning states apply more scrutiny to them.

    • dhork@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      No, what I see here is a bunch of people thinking these places deprive pregnant women of their free will once they walk into the place, or something. I think women, in general, are smart enough to realize what these places offer, and what they can and can’t get there.

      I keep asking, if a woman wants to have a child, and these people want help, why not let them help? And all I get are response questioning their motives.

      Yes, many of these places do it for religious reasons. The same places may also run soup kitchens. Would you tell a hungry person to not accept free food because they might get preached at?

      I have no problem with these places existing, as long as women still have access to everything else they need for health care, including abortions, in the area.