The Democratic candidate for House District 144 is incumbent Rep. Brian Munroe, who supports abortion rights. Rep. Munroe says, “as the pro-choice candidate, I stand firmly in support of women and will fight for their right to access the reproductive healthcare they need and deserve, including access to abortion.”

For Rep. Munroe, the issue is personal. “Especially as a father of two daughters,” he says, “I’m horrified that young girls and women may soon have their healthcare decisions controlled and regulated by our government.”

Rep. Munroe expresses concern that in Pennsylvania, abortion rights are at risk, stating “here in Pennsylvania, women could easily lose their right to bodily autonomy.” Rep. Munroe continues, “[i]t’s crucial we trust women to do what’s best for their health and well-being and treat them with compassion instead of contempt … Beyond health ramifications, forced birth creates detrimental economic consequences to women, their families, and their communities, making it harder for all to thrive.”

Rep. Munroe voted for House Bill 1786 last year, which the Associated Press describes as “seeking to protect those who travel to Pennsylvania to get abortions by barring public officials from cooperating with authorities in other states that criminalize the practice.” The bill has stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Because of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, the issue of abortion access is now left to the states. Here in Pennsylvania, along with in states across the country, Republican-led legislatures began passing laws to restrict reproductive rights. In Pennsylvania, a majority of Republicans voted for SB 106 to amend the state’s constitution to state that it does not guarantee any rights to abortion. Because the bill was not passed a second time and approved by voters, it has yet to take effect. 

Republican nominee Daniel McPhillips, if successful in November, would be joining the same Republican caucus that supported this controversial and restrictive abortion bill. McPhillips is a lifelong resident of Bucks County who has served as Township Supervisor, as well on the Warminster Township Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Budget and Finance Committee. He was also a founding member of the Warminster Township Economic Development Committee. McPhillips has not publicly declared whether or not he personally supports abortion rights.

Updated August 29, 2024.