The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal brought by so-called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” (CPCs). CPCs are often faith-based organizations that have been known to engage in deceptive advertising practicing, promoting themselves as legitimate women’s health clinics so they can push their anti-choice religious beliefs onto unsuspecting patients. The Los Angeles Times explains the lawsuit brought by these particular CPCs:
“California lawmakers passed the disclosure law two years ago after concluding the more 200 pregnancy centers in the state sometimes misled or confused women into believing they provided the full range of medical care, including abortions. The law says these centers must disclose whether they have a medical license and have medical professionals available. They must also post a notice in the waiting room that says the state of California makes available free or low-cost prenatal care, contraception or abortion to eligible women.
The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, which says it represents 110 centers, sued to block the law, calling it “compelled speech” that violates the 1st Amendment. Two other clinics sued as well but the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law last year. In a 3-0 ruling, it said the state had broad power to regulate medical providers to protect patients. And it said the disclosures did not violate the 1st Amendment because they stated facts and did not “encourage” women to seek an abortion.”
Religious freedom does NOT give you the right to impersonate a women’s health clinic and deny patients their right to make an informed decision about their health care. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will uphold the California law so more states can enact these vital protections.
