In February we mentioned the introduction of a bill in the Pennsylvania state Senate which would allow the termination of a rapist’s parental rights, but preserve the victim’s (and state’s) ability to seek child support. The bill progressed through the Senate by unanimous vote recently and is now headed to the state House of Representatives for consideration. This was introduced by Republican Senator Randy Vulakovich of the 38th District (Allegheny Co.; Pittsburgh area) and is an important bill to protect the rights and dignity of rape survivors and their children. Though the number of cases this law impacts may be few in number, it should never be a possibility for even a single case. I expect this bill will be passed by the House and signed into law by Governor Wolf later this year.

***************************************************

Aaron Weems is an attorney and editor of the Pennsylvania Family Law Blog. Aaron is a partner in Fox Rothschild’s Blue Bell, Pennsylvania office and practices throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Aaron can be reached at 610-397-7989; aweems@foxrothschild.com, and on Twitter @AaronWeemsAtty.