Crisis Pregnancy Center Advertising Targeted by Pending Legislation in State Legislature
May 13, 2021
A bill that would ban what abortion rights advocates describe as deceptive advertising at crisis pregnancy centers is waiting for a vote on the House floor after passing the Senate 21-15 on May 5th. The legislation has faced bipartisan opposition, with Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, and two other Democrats joining the Republicans to vote against the legislation. The proposal has been considered by legislators in four previous legislative sessions, most recently passing the Health Committee and House, but dying without a vote in the Senate in 2019.
Supporters of the proposal argue that “limited services pregnancy centers,” which do not offer referrals for abortion or emergency contraception, masquerade as comprehensive medical facilities, luring pregnant women in an effort to dissuade them from abortions. Opponents say they are unconvinced of the necessity of the bill and reality of the problem, and raised constitutional concerns about the targeting of faith-based organizations.