CV NEWS FEED // The administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-PA, announced last week that it will not renew its state funding contract with Real Alternatives, a pro-life network that operates 77 centers throughout Pennsylvania.
Although there is an $8.2 million line item allocated in the budget intended for women’s health purposes, Real Alternatives will not be receiving any of the money as it has in the past. Instead, the governor’s office will be accepting applications from other “women’s health providers.”
Shapiro explained in an August 3 statement why his administration was terminating their contract with Real Alternatives after over 30 years of consecutive renewal.
“For decades, taxpayer dollars have gone to fund Real Alternatives,” he said:
My administration will not continue that pattern — we will ensure women in this commonwealth receive the reproductive health care they deserve. Pennsylvanians made clear by electing me as governor that they support a woman’s freedom to choose, and I will be steadfast in defending that right.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh praised the move, claiming it would benefit women.
“The Shapiro Administration is taking a huge step forward today by ending the Real Alternatives contract after 30 years,” Arkoosh said. “Every woman seeking reproductive health care has the right to unbiased, medically accurate care and counsel.”
Real Alternatives’ website reports that it offers services that “empower women to protect their reproductive health, avoid crisis pregnancies, choose childbirth rather than abortion, receive adoption education, and improve parenting skills.”
According to a 2021-22 report, Real Alternatives has served over 348,000 clients over the last 27.
New Castle News reports that the pregnancy resource center has received $60 million of state funding since 2012.
“Real Alternatives is shocked that Governor Shapiro’s administration has decided to not renew its contract with us as the administrator of the award-winning Pennsylvania Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services Program,” the organization said in a statement:
We believe the governor has been terribly misinformed about the need for the program and its success. The services that this program provides to the women of Pennsylvania are crucial. Approximately 60% of women who come to our program considering abortion choose to bring their baby to term. Also, 84% of women pressured to abort choose to bring their baby to term.
The organization added: “Terminating this program will result in an increase in abortions throughout the Commonwealth.”
