HARRISBURG, December 12, 2017 – The Women’s Health Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group supporting women’s health issues, introduced the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health in a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The agenda is a package of bills supported by the caucus.

Caucus co-chairs State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) were joined by outside advocates to discuss the agenda.

The Agenda for Women’s Health covers a broad range of proposals that advance three main goals to enhance the health and well-being of women, families and communities: Safety and Dignity, Economic Security and Access to Health Services Across the Life Span.

“The Women’s Health Agenda is about empowering the 6.5 million women living in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “These bills will help them, and, in turn, help Pennsylvania prosper. The ability for our state to grow culturally and economically depends on how we face new challenges. The Women’s Health Caucus recognizes that we cannot afford attitudes and practices that hamper, stifle and waste the talent, skills and creativity women – and sometimes only women – can bring to the table.”

“Members from all political parties have a shared interest in empowering women to live healthier, happier lives. It is encouraging that the scope of this effort has expanded in recent years to include not only physical health, but also the financial and emotional wellbeing of women as well,” said Women’s Health Caucus Member, Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks). “The Women’s Health Caucus has done a tremendous job of bringing more of these issues to the forefront, and it is an honor to work with all of the members of this body to advance bills that promote a safer and healthier future for women.”

“The PA Agenda for Women’s Health provides a clear vision to address the issues facing women in the Commonwealth today,” Frankel said. “At a time when we’re hearing from women that they’ve had enough of the constant attacks on their reproductive choices, lack of concern for their safety and barriers to success in the workplace, our Agenda will hopefully show them that there are legislators in Harrisburg who are listening and making a plan to pass legislation that will enhance their lives and the lives of their families.”

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