Empowering Women’s Access to Reproductive Care in Philadelphia
Dr. Sameera Mokkarala, an OB-GYN and family planning physician in Philadelphia, witnesses the daily struggles faced by women in the city when it comes to accessing abortion care, despite it being legal in Pennsylvania.
“I think about the mom of three who shared with me the difficult decision she had to make between taking out a payday loan or pawning her jewelry to afford her procedure, or the college student who traveled hours from her campus to seek care without fear of stigma,” Mokkarala shared.
Recently, at a press conference led by City Council Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, $500,000 in city funds were allocated to Planned Parenthood’s Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter. This funding will support sexual and reproductive services, including abortion care, at their four locations in Philadelphia. With an annual budget of approximately $20 million, this financial boost marks the first time the city has provided direct support to the local Planned Parenthood chapter.
In addition to the funding for Planned Parenthood, the city’s 2025 budget includes $200,000 to address period poverty through the distribution of free feminine hygiene products and $250,000 for “abortion liberation funding” to assist low-income women in accessing essential healthcare services. These initiatives aim to safeguard reproductive rights in Philadelphia, especially following the alarming Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Since the Dobbs ruling, 22 states have imposed restrictions on abortion, further emphasizing the importance of protecting access to essential healthcare services. While Pennsylvania still permits abortion with certain restrictions, neighboring New Jersey offers more lenient regulations, including statutory protection for abortion as a fundamental right.
City Council member Kendra Brooks has proposed reinstating Philadelphia’s Reproductive Freedom Task Force to ensure continued advocacy for abortion access and reproductive health autonomy. The task force was initially formed in 2022 to bolster abortion protections and prevent workplace discrimination related to reproductive health decisions.
Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania plays a crucial role in supporting over 40,000 individuals each year across multiple counties, with approximately 9,500 seeking abortion services. The organization’s CEO and President, Dayle Steinberg, emphasized the disparities faced by marginalized communities in accessing essential healthcare and emphasized the importance of the new city funding.
With the additional funding, Planned Parenthood can expand its reach and provide vital reproductive and sexual health services to uninsured or under-insured individuals in Philadelphia, addressing critical health disparities in the region. Dr. Mokkarala praised the dedication and compassion of Planned Parenthood staff, highlighting their commitment to patient-centered care.
“Planned Parenthood serves as a safety net for many individuals who may not have access to care elsewhere. Despite the challenges they face, the team at Planned Parenthood goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive the care they deserve,” Dr. Mokkarala stated.
The ongoing efforts to support reproductive healthcare and abortion access in Philadelphia highlight the city’s commitment to promoting equality and autonomy for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. By empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, Philadelphia is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding essential healthcare services for all its residents.