A decision handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals today upheld the central provisions of New York City law mandating transparency by crisis pregnancy centers, anti-choice “clinics” that masquerade as medical offices.
“We are gratified by the court’s decision to uphold important protections for women in New York City,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
“This decision recognizes that the law was carefully crafted simultaneously to respect First Amendment rights and to protect women against deceptive practices,” Lieberman said.
“Women seeking reproductive health care services must not be misled by crisis pregnancy centers that appear to be licensed medical facilities,” said Alexis Karteron, senior staff attorney at NYCLU. The NYCLU submitted a friend of the court brief in support of the local law. “This law safeguards New York women against deception and manipulation, by requiring transparency and clear communication.”
“Crisis pregnancy centers often engage in tactics that delay time-sensitive medical care including abortion care, emergency contraception, and prenatal care” said Katharine Bodde, policy counsel at the NYCLU. “These delays can compromise the health of women in New York City. The law is carefully designed to remedy this problem, and is upheld by the decision handed down today.”
