Crisis Centers Sue to Block Pro-Abortion Mandate
California crisis pregnancy centers that discourage women from getting abortions are suing to stop a new law which will force them to promote abortions.
The law, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last week, forces pregnancy clinics to inform women and girls that California has public programs that provide immediate, free, or low-cost abortions for eligible women.
According to LifeNews, these faith-based medical centers must also tell their clients to contact the county social services office to see if the pregnant woman qualifies for the free or cheap abortions.
Lawsuits were filed by Pacific Justice Institute in federal courts in both Southern and Northern California. The clinics, represented by PJI, provide free medical services and counseling as an alternative option to abortion to women facing unwanted pregnancies.
"Forcing a religious, pro-life charity to proclaim a pro-abortion declaration is on its face an egregious violation of both the free speech and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution. We will not rest until this government mandate is completely halted," PJI President Brad Dacus said.
State Attorney General Kamala D. Harris backed the law, and her office has authority to enforce it.
"We will vigorously defend the state law in court," Harris spokeswoman Kristin Ford said in a statement.
The law is the first to impose statewide information requirements on crisis pregnancy centers, which often are run by religiously affiliated groups that discourage women from getting abortions.
