The American Center for Law and Justice asked the US Supreme Court Friday to review a federal appeals court decision reinstating parts of New York City’s landmark set of regulations for Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), or “fake clinics.”
Earlier this year, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the portion of the New York City law, passed in 2011, that requires CPCs operating in New York City to disclose whether or not a licensed medical professional works on-site at the facility. This so-called “status disclosure” must be posted in both English and Spanish at the entrance to the facility and in the waiting room and must also be communicated orally during meetings and in telephone conversations with potential clients.
The petition filed by the American Center for Law and Justice asks the US Supreme Court to review the Second Circuit’s decision to reinstate the status disclosure requirement as well as the court’s finding that the law’s definition of a CPC is not unconstitutionally vague.
The New York City law immediately became a target after it passed in 2011. At the request of several CPCs, a lower court temporarily blocked enforcement of the law, and although the Second Circuit reinstated its “status disclosure” provision, it did not restore the requirement that CPCs disclose whether their provide referrals for emergency contraception, abortion, or prenatal care. The appeals court also ruled that the City could not require CPCs to disclose that the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourages women who are or who may be pregnant to consult with a licensed provider.
A Congressional investigation of Crisis Pregnancy Centers found that 87% provided false or misleading information about the health effects of abortion, and many use misinformation to deter their clients from using contraception or pursuing abortion. CPCs target women of color and poor women in particular, including college students. CPCs are common across the nation, and outnumber comprehensive women’s health clinics. Most are affiliated with anti-choice or religious organizations.
Media Resources: Feminist Campus Campaign to Expose Fake Clinics; RH Reality Check 6/9/14; Feminist Newswire 1/22/14
