Pennsylvania House Bill 2733, known as the Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act, requires employers to provide eligible employees with a dedicated account containing 24 hours of paid leave specifically for prenatal medical appointments and related travel. To qualify, an employee must have worked for the same employer in the Commonwealth for at least 30 days, after which the employer must establish this separate account within two days of notification. The bill mandates that this leave be compensated at the employee's regular rate and count toward seniority and benefits, while prohibiting employers from forcing staff to use other types of leave or retaliating against them for utilizing these protections. Employers with 15 or fewer employees may apply for a six-month hardship exemption, and violations of the act are subject to fines of up to $50,000 per instance.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of September 14 through 20, 2026, as "Birth Center Week" to highlight the role of birth centers in maternal healthcare. The measure aims to raise public awareness about these facilities, which offer low-risk, culturally competent care in a home-like setting and are noted for potentially lower costs and reduced cesarean section rates. While the resolution does not alter laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of birth centers in addressing maternal health disparities and improving access to care for mothers and newborns.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to specifically regulate how businesses collect and handle reproductive and sexual health data. It requires companies to obtain consumer consent, limit data collection to what is necessary for specific services, and provide clear options for users to access or delete this sensitive information. Additionally, the legislation restricts sharing this data with third parties unless there is valid consent or a legal mandate, while also establishing a process for the Attorney General to issue violation notices before taking enforcement action.
This bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to explicitly prohibit the state from interfering with the use or provision of medically appropriate contraception and fertility treatments. It defines fertility treatment broadly to include services such as egg and sperm preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo genetic testing, and related medications. By codifying this protection in the state's criminal code, the legislation ensures that government entities cannot restrict access to these reproductive health services. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill requires maternity care providers in Pennsylvania, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, to complete four hours of trauma-informed care training when renewing their licenses. It mandates that state licensing boards approve specific training curricula within 180 days of the law's effective date. The legislation defines trauma-informed care as a practice that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment while addressing the impact of trauma and historical inequities.
Senate Bill 1290 would limit the use of cash bail for pregnant defendants in Pennsylvania, except in cases involving capital offenses or crimes with a maximum life sentence. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption against setting monetary bail for these individuals and requires courts to document specific reasons if cash bail is still imposed. It also mandates that jails provide free pregnancy tests within 24 hours of request and protects the confidentiality of related medical information.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define 'lay midwives' as unlicensed individuals who provide support before, during, and after birth. It establishes specific rules for these unlicensed practitioners, prohibiting them from representing themselves as licensed or administering prescription medications. The legislation also requires lay midwives to obtain and retain signed informed consent forms from clients that detail their training, confirm their unlicensed status, and outline a plan for handling medical issues or transferring care to licensed providers.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as Preeclampsia Awareness Month to highlight a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. The bill aims to increase public knowledge about the condition, which can lead to seizures, strokes, and organ failure if not managed properly. By recognizing this month, the House intends to encourage pregnant individuals to learn about warning signs and seek timely medical care. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of support for maternal health awareness.
This bill designates the week of April 11 through 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about maternal health disparities affecting Black women. The resolution highlights statistics showing that Black women in the state face significantly higher pregnancy-related death rates compared to other groups, with many cases deemed preventable. It does not create new funding or policy requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture to focus public and legislative attention on the issue. The measure is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration.
