The Supreme Court decided it is “probably unconstitutional” to require licensed crisis pregnancy centers provide info on abortions since it violates free speech.
Justice Clarence Thomas stated, “By requiring petitioners to inform women how they can obtain state-subsidized abortions — at the same time petitioners try to dissuade women…from choosing that option — the licensed notice plainly ‘alters the content’ of petitioners’ speech.”
Anti-choice protesters had been rallying against a California law called the FACT Act, which passed in 2016. It requires licensed crisis pregnancy centers inform women about all state-funded family planning options — including abortions. The FACT Act also required all unlicensed crisis pregnancy centers make it clear that they are not allowed to perform medical services. SCOTUS also struck down that part of the law in a 5-4 decision.
Pro-choice groups are sharing their disappointment.
Planned Parenthood Action tweeted, “Let’s be clear fake women’s health centers are deceptive and harmful to women — lying to women, withholding medical information, and cutting off access to care. Nothing in this SCOTUS decision suggests otherwise #EndTheLies #NIFLAvBecerra.”
There are currently about 300 religiously-affiliated crisis pregnancy centers in California and an estimated 2,700 crisis pregnancy centers nationally — at least double the number of clinics that provide abortions.
