House Judiciary Committee holds public hearing on proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine personal reproductive liberty

The House Judiciary Committee convened a public hearing on House Bill 19‑57, a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine a right to personal reproductive liberty in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Committee members heard testimony from patient advocates, clinicians, a policy advocate and a law professor about the amendment’s likely legal effects and real‑world consequences.

Proponents described personal and clinical experiences in which reproductive choice was central. Megan Orbich of Oakmont, a parent who described continuing a high‑risk pregnancy and subsequent years of intensive neonatal care, told the committee, “Whether or not I do, I will never regret the choice I made. But it was our choice.” Dr. Sarah Gutman, a board‑certified obstetrician‑gynecologist in Philadelphia, said protecting “personal reproductive liberty is a critical element in combating existing social and racial disparities in maternal reproductive health.” Laura Hernandez, senior policy associate for reproductive rights at State…