MARK PAZNIOKAS :: CTMIRROR.ORG
Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, defending the pregnancy crisis center bill in an exchange with Rep. Charles Ferraro, R-West Haven, on Wednesday.
A bill banning deceptive practices by limited services pregnancy centers — religious facilities where critics say workers sometimes pose as medical professionals to lure women and hand out false information about abortions — is headed for Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk, after the state House gave final approval to the proposal Wednesday.
The measure prohibits deceptive advertisements in print publications, online postings, public statements or “any other manner” and applies whether the centers do it themselves or someone else does it on their behalf. The bill gives the Attorney General’s office the power to seek a court order to stop the deceptive practices. Violators would receive a notice to correct the problem within 10 days. If no action is taken, the attorney general could appeal to the courts, seeking fines or other penalties.