In 2009, abortion advocates succeeded in getting regulations passed that would require pregnancy centers to post notices in English and Spanish stating that they do not “provide or make referrals for abortion or birth-control services.” The law singled out the centers and by requiring this government notice be posted sent a message to the vulnerable women who visited that the centers sought to deceive.
However, today the courts stepped in and ruled that to be unconstitutional.
In a 29 page opinion, US District Judge Marvin Garbis ruled that the law violated the First Amendment of the Constitution. In the opinion he states, “it is for the provider – not the Government – to decide when and how to discuss abortion and birth-control methods. The Government cannot, consistent with the First Amendment Amendment, require a ‘pro-life’ pregnancy-related service center to post a sign as would be required by the Ordinance.”
This is a great victory and should help chill efforts to pass a related measure that is currently pending before the New York City Council. Currently, Austin, Texas and Montgomery County, Maryland regulate pregnancy centers.