Protecting Access to Health Care for Pennsylvania Families

Rep. Melissa Cerrato March 6, 2026

Dear Friends,

Federal funding cuts are leaving many Pennsylvanians without access to essential health care, worsening the medical deserts that already exist across our Commonwealth. This escalating crisis was a key reason I recently participated in a policy hearing focused on improving access to care.

Having once relied on Medicaid and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, I know firsthand how essential these supports are. They provide stability during some of life’s most challenging moments. That experience has made me deeply grateful for the safety nets we have today—and profoundly concerned for the families who could lose these lifelines due to federal policy decisions. When clinics close and preventive services vanish, the hardest hit are the women, children, and families who already face significant barriers.

One of the most compelling voices at the hearing was Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services. Her testimony highlighted the critical role this organization plays in supporting the health and stability of communities across Pennsylvania. Maternal and Family Health Services runs a network of clinics and programs serving tens of thousands of residents each year, particularly in rural and underserved areas where health care options are scarce.

Their services form the foundation of preventive and reproductive health care in our state, including:

Women’s and reproductive health care such as cancer screenings, contraception, gynecological care, and routine exams.
Family planning programs that empower individuals with information and resources.
The Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program, which provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.
Maternal health programs that reduce complications during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in areas where obstetric services have disappeared.
Community health education and outreach that connect families to screenings, resources, and support services.

These programs do more than fill gaps—they prevent emergencies, strengthen families, and reduce long-term health costs by addressing problems early. As Dr. Montoro Edwards explained, federal funding cuts threaten the very stability of these services. In some counties, Maternal and Family Health Services is one of the few remaining access points for reproductive and maternal health care. Losing even a single clinic could leave entire regions without essential care.

Her testimony was a powerful reminder that access to care is not an abstract policy debate—it directly affects lives. It determines whether a mother can receive prenatal care without traveling hours. It determines whether a child can access nutrition support during critical developmental years. And it determines whether families in rural Pennsylvania have the same chance at health and stability as those in more resourced areas.

Protecting and strengthening organizations like Maternal and Family Health Services is essential. Their work sustains the health and well-being of communities across the Commonwealth, and the effects of continued funding cuts would be felt for generations.

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to the health of our communities.

Upcoming Events

Shredding & Electronics Recycling – All at One Event!

Ready to declutter and protect your personal information? Join us for our FREE Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event – the perfect way to safely dispose of old documents and unwanted electronics.

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Veteran ID Joint Event with Recorder of Deeds

Join us for the Veterans ID Sign Up Event! This event is your chance to connect with valuable discounts and savings in Montgomery County.

In addition to signing up for your ID, we will be collecting toiletries, socks, and underwear to benefit veterans in our area. Your support makes a difference!

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Senior Scam Alert Event with the AG’s Office

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Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud, identity theft, and deceptive practices. Free resources, expert tips, and real-time support available!

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