Residents To Protest ACA Repeal In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA -- A West Chester protest this weekend is taking aim at the Republican proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act and other women's health issues.

The event, organized by the progressive group "Indivisible Chesco," will take place on Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. at the Chester County Courthouse on 2 N. High Street.

Protesters are also targeting two health bills currently in the state legislature: Pennsylvania House Bill 77, and Senate Bill 3. SB3, also known as the "Abortion Bill," changes the cutoff for abortions from 24 weeks to 20 weeks, and outlaws the dilation and evacuation abortion technique.

"Pennsylvania bills SB3 and HB77 propose overreaching and unconstitutional restrictions on a woman’s right to choose, outlining what would be, if adopted, the most extreme restrictions on abortion in the country. Medical experts and professionals oppose these proposed laws," Indivisible Chesco said in a statement.

State Sen. Michele Brooks (R PA-50), the sponsor of SB3, argues that the legislation "does not change the protections in current law for the health of the mother."

U.S. House Republicans have revealed their long-anticipated bill to replace Obamacare, a necessary part of the party's plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and update the nation's health insurance system. Already, the bill is facing pushback from both sides of the aisle. The new bill would end the individual mandate, one of the most unpopular provisions of the law, while keeping the requirement that children must be allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance until they're 26.

"Women can and will make their healthcare decisions for themselves," said Beth Sweet, a spokesperson for the West Chester event. "The residents of Chester County will stand up and speak out to make their voices heard."

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore