HARRISBURG, Nov. 27 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge , D-Montgomery, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 507 , which requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The bill was officially signed into law on Nov. 21 by Shapiro as Act 31 of 2023. "Patients in Pennsylvania will finally have the right to make decisions about exams performed on their bodies while under anesthesia. This legislation ensures informed consent for invasive pelvic and rectal exams, at last giving patients the decision-making power that we all deserve about our own bodies,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleague, Representative Hanbidge, for her work on this bill, and I thank Governor Shapiro for signing it into law.” “Performing a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam unknowingly on an anesthetized patient isn’t only invasive, but it’s also a breach of trust. Our legislation abolishes this archaic practice, thereby strengthening the trust that Pennsylvanians have in medical professionals, protecting bodily autonomy and highlighting the importance of consent,” Hanbidge said. “Patients expecting to go under anesthesia should never have to worry about being objectified for ‘learning purposes,’ and now thanks to my co-sponsor Representative Fiedler, Read more
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving! Next week, December will be here. Read more
I am also pleased to share that state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s and my H.B. 507, that would prohibit physicians and medical students from conducting pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on unconscious patients for training purposes in the absence of an emergency, passed the state Senate unanimously. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The PA House today passed legislation (H.B. 507) that requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The legislation, introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. In Pennsylvania, medical students are currently permitted to perform these invasive exams on unconscious patients for training purposes. The legislators said this unethical practice undermines patient-doctor relationships, which require a foundation of trust, respect and transparency. “This year, we’ve seen millions of women and people across the country stand up for reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy,” said Fiedler. “It’s never been more important to empower patients to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. I am elated to see this bill pass, and I look forward to Governor Shapiro signing it into law.” “When patients arrive at the hospital for surgeries or treatments that require anesthesia, they are understandably worried or anxious about the outcome of their procedure, rarely thinking that an unrelated internal and intimate exam by a medical student might be part of the process,” Hanbidge said. “House Bill 507 puts the power back in the hands of the patient, giving them the final say in the care Read more
No one should be the victim of racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, gender inequality, discrimination or hate in our commonwealth. Last week, the House took affirmative steps to combat the impact of hate crimes in our commonwealth, passing three bills to stop hate crimes in Pennsylvania. Read more
I am pleased to report that Rep. Liz Fiedler’s and my legislation (H.B. 507) was included in one of the first sets of House bills to be voted on by the Senate. Read more
There is a crisis level shortage of large animal veterinarians in America. Read more
As I mentioned in my last email, voting and session last week was hectic and we passed a significant amount of legislation, including the code bills which allow for the funds appropriated through the general appropriations bill to be spent. Read more
Domestic violence doesn’t happen in a silo, it intersects with a lot of other issues we see in the House. Read more
“It’s unfortunately all too easy in Pennsylvania to initiate a meritless lawsuit solely with the intention of shutting down debates on public issues,” Hanbidge said. Read more
As September comes to an end, I wanted to discuss suicide prevention. Read more
This week, we recognized National Voter Registration Day! While America has seen huge recent increases in voter turnout, we still lag behind other developed nations in voter participation. The Census Bureau estimates that in 2020, 168.3 million people were registered to vote, which is only 72.7% of voting age citizens. Read more
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates that we spend more than $120 billion nationwide controlling invasive species each year. Read more
As promised, here’s an update on the budget process. As you know, the Senate came back early to allow the finalized budget to be sent to the Governor. Read more
One of the benefits of summer recess is that it gives me more time to meet with people and groups about policy issues and things that are often further on the horizon than the immediacy of many budget-related issues. Read more
Electronics recycling event hosted in partnership with Reps. Ben Sanchez and Melissa Cerrato. Read more
Earlier this month, Governor Shapiro signed into law Act 7 of 2023. Formerly known as H.B. 1100, Act 7 is an expansion of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program for seniors 65 and over and those who are 50 and older and have been widowed or who have a disability. Read more
This past weekend Representative Melissa Cerrato and I hosted an informational panel to help families navigating the world of special education. Read more
One of the pieces of legislation we passed in the House before recessing was H.B. 1422, an amendment to the commonwealth’s cyber charter school law. Read more
On Thursday, the Senate consented to do their job and returned to session for the few minutes it took to formally send the budget to the Governor, allowing the finalized budget from July 5th to go forward. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Liz Hanbidge.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
1098 W. Skippack PikeBlue Bell, PA 19422-1537
P*: (610) 277-3230
F*: (484) 200-8267
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
28 B East WingP.O. Box 202061Harrisburg, PA 17120-2061
P*: (717) 783-4102
F*: (717) 705-2046