Letter to the editor: Why would Shapiro defund Real Alternatives?

Real Alternatives, a regional network of women’s help agencies with 77 centers throughout Pennsylvania, has served in excess of 400,000 women since its establishment in 1996. The regional program is financially supported by the commonwealth, offering women in crisis services such as counseling, testing, educational referrals, clothing, classes and shelter, all free of charge.

The program’s funding is soon to be considered for renewal, and Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced his intention to allow funding to lapse. I called the governor’s office to inquire as to why he thought this a good idea. I was told Real Alternatives is a pro-life organization, and the governor feels funding should be directed only to clinics supporting women’s choice. My inherent response was the commonwealth should support all women in need of pregnancy care, not uniquely those seeking termination.

In principle, women’s choice should include a woman’s choice to have her baby. Pro-life clinics offer expanded programs to support women throughout their pregnancies into early stages of parenting. It is difficult to believe Pennsylvanians support Shapiro’s position to defund women’s health clinics on political grounds. Clearly constituents elect officials to promote policies such as these, but is this really who Pennsylvanians are?

Stacey West

Sewickley