Mayes: AG Sunday’s decision to appeal Commonwealth Court’s Medicaid, reproductive healthcare ruling is disappointing
Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes May 20, 2026
State Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, said that Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s decision to appeal the Commonwealth Court’s ruling affirming abortion care through Medicaid is a disappointing attempt to continue defending an unconstitutional and discriminatory policy that denies low-income Pennsylvanians access to essential reproductive healthcare.
She released the following statement.
“Commonwealth Court correctly recognized that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental constitutional right and that access to abortion care should not depend on a person’s income, ZIP code or ability to pay out of pocket. Reproductive justice means ensuring that every person has the right to bodily autonomy, to have or not have children, and to raise families in safe and healthy communities. For decades, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid funding ban has disproportionately harmed working families and marginalized communities, forcing people to carry pregnancies against their will simply because they cannot afford care.
“This case is fundamentally about reproductive justice. The human right to make personal decisions about one’s body, family and future should come without political or economic barriers.
“It is unconscionable that Attorney General Dave Sunday has chosen to prolong this legal fight instead of respecting the constitutional protections recognized by the court.
“Pennsylvania’s constitution guarantees equal rights and equal protection under the law. Politicians and government officials should not be using the power of the state to coerce personal medical decisions or restrict reproductive freedom.
“I will continue fighting to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without political interference. Abortion access is healthcare, reproductive autonomy is a constitutional right, and economic status should never determine whether someone can exercise that right.”
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CONTACT: Molly Peters
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: mpeters@pahouse.net
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