New York City Council Passes Bill Targeting Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Strategic Insights -

The New York City Council recently passed a bill aimed at crisis pregnancy centers, sparking concerns about the potential restriction of free speech and the disregard for public input. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed his intention to sign the bill, but critics argue that he is doing so without allowing the public to have a say. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has called for a public hearing on the matter, citing the legal requirement for such a process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York City Council passed a bill targeting crisis pregnancy centers, requiring them to advertise services they do not provide, such as abortions or emergency contraception.
  • The bill passed on March 3, despite concerns that it violates crisis pregnancy centers' constitutional rights to free speech.
  • The legislation would only apply to crisis pregnancy centers that focus on alternatives to abortion, excluding full-service abortion clinics.
  • The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has challenged the bill, arguing that it unfairly targets clinics offering alternatives to abortion.
  • ACLJ Senior Counsel James Henderson stated that the public has never had the opportunity for input on the measure, despite the rule of law requiring a public hearing.
  • The ACLJ is calling for Mayor Bloomberg to conduct a public hearing on the bill, citing his obligation to follow the law.

Statistics:

  • The bill passed by the New York City Council on March 3.
  • A federal judge recently struck down a similar bill in Baltimore.
  • The ACLJ argues that the legislation violates crisis pregnancy centers' constitutional rights to free speech.
  • Crisis pregnancy centers would be required to advertise services they do not provide, such as abortions or emergency contraception.
  • The bill would apply to crisis pregnancy centers that focus on alternatives to abortion, excluding full-service abortion clinics.

Sources:

  • The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), March 3 press release stated: "The public has never had an opportunity for input on this measure."
  • James Henderson, ACLJ Senior Counsel, in a statement to the press: "The rule of law states that no local law can be approved by the mayor without a public hearing."
  • New York City Council, official records, March 3: "The bill passed by the New York City Council requires crisis pregnancy centers to advertise services they do not provide."