Governor Wolf Vetoed House Bill 321 In Support Of Women’s Rights

Governor Tom Wolf vetoed House Bill 321.

The governor’s full veto message:

TO THE HONORABLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

“Pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, I am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill 321, Printer’s Number 1404.

“This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women’s health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Physicians and their patients must be able to make choices about medical procedures based on best practices and standards of care. The prohibitions under this bill are not consistent with the fundamental rights vested by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

“There is no evidence that this bill is needed in Pennsylvania. I have significant concerns that enforcement of this legislation would upend the doctor-patient relationship and impede on patient confidentiality.

“Further, I am not aware of a single disability rights group that supports this bill. I support continuing the bipartisan work that’s been done to help people with disabilities. I also believe there is much more Pennsylvania could do to help women and families facing complex pregnancies. However, this bill does not aid in either of these efforts.

“For the reasons set forth above, I must withhold my signature from House Bill 321, Printer’s Number 1404.”

Governor Wolf also signed House Bill 947.