The First Amendment rights of Massachusetts’ pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) are being targeted by a measure that would regulate their ability to advertise their services in the blue state.
The bill, H.377, would “protect patient privacy and prevent unfair and deceptive advertising of pregnancy-related services,” according to its authors. The state’s liberal attorney general and governor, Maura Healey, are backing the measure.
According to the Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI), a non-profit “dedicated to advancing the Christian principles that form the foundation of strong families and communities,” the bill amounts to “discrimination.”
“This bill engages in blatant viewpoint discrimination. It targets the speech of pro-life PRCs while allowing free rein to abortion clinics,” a memo from the group states, according to Fox News Digital.
The bill fails to define what constitutes “deceptive” statements, MFI argues.
Because PRCs do not provide abortions, do not refer expectant mothers for abortions, and don’t provide emergency contraception, MFI says the bill would only apply to PRCs and, thus, would discriminate against pro-life viewpoints.
Governor Healey has made her views on abortion abundantly clear.
“One year ago, I vowed to protect and expand abortion access in Massachusetts – to keep providers and patients seeking care in our state safe,” she posted on what is now X in June. “I stand by that promise, and I’ll never give up the fight for reproductive freedom.”
One year ago, I vowed to protect and expand abortion access in Massachusetts – to keep providers and patients seeking care in our state safe. I stand by that promise, and I’ll never give up the fight for reproductive freedom. pic.twitter.com/s7fgebJc5t — Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) June 24, 2023
As the state’s attorney general, Andrea Joy Campbell will be the one to decide if a statement is “deceptive.”
She, too, has been clear about her commitment to abortions for all.
On the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Campbell, too, took to what was then Twitter and couldn’t have been more clear about her thoughts on those who would restrict the slaughter of babies.
“One year ago, an extremist Supreme Court ripped away the constitutional right to abortion care for countless patients,” she wrote. “Well, I want to remind you today of a fundamental truth: Abortion is a human right.”
One year ago, an extremist Supreme Court ripped away the constitutional right to abortion care for countless patients. Well, I want to remind you today of a fundamental truth: Abortion is a human right. pic.twitter.com/xeToUD6Z0p — Andrea Joy Campbell (@MassAGO) June 24, 2023
Not content with promoting abortions in her own state, she rushed to join other liberals in their efforts to ensure kids in Idaho can terminate their pregnancies.
“Medical providers and trusted adults should not be punished for helping young people access legal abortion care,” she stated in August. “I’m proud to join my fellow Attorneys General in challenging Idaho’s restrictive law criminalizing adults to help minors travel out-of-state for abortion care.”
Medical providers and trusted adults should not be punished for helping young people access legal abortion care. I’m proud to join my fellow Attorneys General in challenging Idaho’s restrictive law criminalizing adults to help minors travel out-of-state for abortion care. pic.twitter.com/3CnT8syii2 — Andrea Joy Campbell (@MassAGO) August 3, 2023
It is reasonable to assume that Campbell’s views will impact PRCs in the state, where, according to pro-life advocates, they outnumber Planned Parenthood clinics 2-to-1.
“The bill also institutes a $1,000 fine for every infraction at the discretion of the attorney general,” Fox News Digital reports.
“PRCs have been serving needy pregnant women in MA for some 40 years,” Patricia D. Stewart, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, another pro-life non-profit, told Fox News Digital. “In 2022 alone, they served 2,079 clients. In 40 years, they have served many thousands more.”
“The services that PRCs offer free of charge range from providing pregnancy tests and diagnostic ultrasounds, to pregnancy options counseling, parenting classes, and more,” said MFI. “Nearly all PRCs provide donated baby supplies such as baby clothes, diapers, car seats, and other items. They rely on charitable donations and volunteers to help women in need. Centers offering medical services such as ultrasound and STD testing, employ trained and licensed medical professionals.”