State Rep. Kathy Rapp has come out in opposition to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to end a state contract with the pro-life Real Alternatives program.

“For decades, taxpayer dollars have gone to fund Real Alternatives. My administration will not continue that pattern – we will ensure women in this commonwealth receive the reproductive health care they deserve,” Shapiro said. “Pennsylvanians made clear by electing me as governor that they support a woman’s freedom to choose, and I will be steadfast in defending that right.”

According to the organization, its mission is to “provide life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support services throughout the nation.

These compassionate support services empower women to protect their reproductive health, avoid crisis pregnancies, choose childbirth rather than abortion, receive adoption education, and improve parenting skills.”

It says it provides counseling and mentoring, pregnancy tests, basic necessities like food and clothing, temporary shelter, parenting classes and adoption information, among other services.

Real Alternatives, per its website, said it operates both in Pennsylvania and Indiana and is funded by the General Assembly here.

“More than 433,000 women in Pennsylvania and Indiana have been served since the program began in March 1996,” the group says. “Through their counselors, the centers offer free and confidential support, encouragement, guidance and practical assistance to women so they do not need to choose abortion.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Human Services announced that the contract with the organization would be permitted to expire at the end of the year and DHS would be “soliciting applications for women’s health providers” in the coming weeks.

“The Shapiro Administration is taking a huge step forward today by ending the Real Alternatives contract after 30 years. Every woman seeking reproductive health care has the right to unbiased, medically accurate care and counsel,” said Val Arkoosh, state Human Services Department secretary. “The Department of Human Services has an obligation to ensure our contractors and partners are acting in line with these values and being good stewards of taxpayer resources, and we will not relent on this commitment.”

Rapp felt differently.

“The governor’s decision to terminate Pennsylvania’s contract with the Real Alternatives program shows me that this administration, and the wider Democratic party, are no longer pro-choice,” said Rapp, R-Warren and chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, said in response to the decision. “Choice implies that struggling mothers would have the option to seek life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support service. However, cutting crucial funding for Real Alternatives and its 83 crisis centers statewide shows me this administration is not pro-choice; it is pro-abortion. Eliminating funding for such an important service shows that this administration is not interested in doing what is best for women in Pennsylvania. It is proof of pushing Planned Parenthood and prioritizing abortions over a woman’s right to seek alternatives, including adoption. I pray our governor reconsiders and allows Real Alternatives to continue its important work.”