Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state where elections can meaningfully shape women’s rights in a relatively short period of time. Like Wisconsin, the state is politically divided, and several key rights are not protected by state law or the state constitution, leaving outcomes dependent on legislative control, court interpretation, and executive enforcement.

In recent years, women’s rights in Pennsylvania have been shaped by a mix of statutory protections, veto power, and court decisions rather than clear, durable guarantees. As a result, progress has held in some areas—but remains vulnerable to shifts in political power.

Note: Because Pennsylvania also holds several closely contested U.S. House seats, election outcomes here may influence the balance of power in Congress—shaping the federal policy environment in which women’s rights are debated, funded, and enforced.

What’s at stake

Several major areas of women’s rights in Pennsylvania remain unsettled and could be affected by future political and legal decisions:

Reproductive healthcare access

Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, and while access is primarily governed by statute, recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court rulings have interpreted the state constitution’s Equal Rights Amendment as providing additional protections against discriminatory abortion restrictions.

Legislative efforts to further restrict abortion—including gestational limits and funding limitations—have repeatedly surfaced but have been blocked by the governor's veto powers. As a result, elections play a direct role in determining whether existing protections hold or new restrictions are enacted.

Voting and civic participation
Pennsylvania has expanded access through no-excuse mail voting, but these policies have faced repeated legal challenges. Courts have played a central role in determining which ballots are counted and how election rules are applied. Ongoing disputes over mail ballot deadlines, drop boxes, and election administration mean voting access remains sensitive to future court rulings and legislative action.

Education and gender equity
Debates over school curriculum, gender identity protections, and athletics participation continue to surface in Pennsylvania. While some protections remain in place, education policy is largely shaped at the legislative level, and power shifts could impact how gender equity is addressed in schools statewide.

What will be on the ballot — and when

Pennsylvania voters will participate in two elections that influence how women’s rights laws are written and enforced.

Primary election (May 19, 2026)

• State legislative primaries
• U.S. House of Representatives primaries

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election and shape which policy approaches are available in November.

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Governor
• Pennsylvania General Assembly
• U.S. House of Representatives

These offices determine whether restrictive proposals are advanced, how existing laws are enforced, and how courts and election systems are supported.

Election resources

The following links should provide the information you need to feel informed and prepared to participate:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — voter registration, mail voting, polling locations
Ballotpedia — Pennsylvania elections, 2026

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.