HARRISBURG – The PA Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative or PPWC’s third annual Day of Advocacy was held at the state Capitol, calling attention to the urgent need to strengthen maternal health care access and support systems throughout the Commonwealth. Their theme, “Filling the Gaps,” highlighted the growing need to ensure women have timely access to early pregnancy care, education, and support services. Speakers emphasized that many women face barriers to prenatal care due to provider shortages, transportation challenges, and healthcare deserts particularly in underserved and rural communities. Blair County Sen. Judy Ward says it’s a labor of love at the pregnancy care centers. Sen. Scott Martin of Lancaster & Berks Counties highlighted how pregnancy care centers work to have Dads ready to help their new families. Across PA, the PA Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative’s network includes 87 centers operating 161 service locations in 78% of the state’s counties, providing millions of dollars in services annually to women and families.
