Rapp Frustrated Over Governor’s Decision to Cut Crucial Funding for Real Alternatives

WARREN — Rep. Kathy L. Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest), chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, issued the following statement on the governor’s decision to end the Department of Human Services contract with the Real Alternatives program:

“The governor’s decision to terminate Pennsylvania’s contract with the Real Alternatives program shows me that this administration, and the wider Democratic party, are no longer pro-choice. Choice implies that struggling mothers would have the option to seek life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support service. However, cutting crucial funding for Real Alternatives and its 83 crisis centers statewide shows me this administration is not pro-choice; it is pro-abortion.

“Real Alternatives offers support services that empower women to protect their reproductive health, avoid crisis pregnancies, choose childbirth rather than abortion, receive adoption education, and improve parenting skills. These services have helped hundreds of thousands of women receive the care they deserve. Real Alternatives has even served as a model for a similar program created by then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

“Eliminating funding for such an important service shows that this administration is not interested in doing what is best for women in Pennsylvania. It is proof of pushing Planned Parenthood and prioritizing abortions over a woman’s right to seek alternatives, including adoption. I pray our governor reconsiders and allows Real Alternatives to continue its important work.”