New CT Law Targets Fake Pregnancy Crisis Center Advertising

CONNECTICUT — It will soon be against the law in Connecticut for pregnancy centers to advertise reproductive health care services they cannot or do not provide, most notably abortions.

The legislation gives the Connecticut Attorney General the authority to seek a court order to stop the deceptive practices. Prior to bringing court action, the center must be notified of the pending order and have up to ten days to comply. If ultimately found to be in violation, the court can order the center to pay for and distribute appropriate corrective advertising, and the center can also receive civil penalties and be charged by the state for attorney's fees.

Critics of the new law say it will have a chilling effect upon communication and the flow of information between faith-based pregnancy crisis centers and their clients. The legislation's proponents claim that staff at the facilities will often pose as medical professionals and distribute incorrect information in attempts to persuade women to keep their babies.

"I want to be clear, this law in no way prohibits anyone from practicing their constitutionally protected, faith-based beliefs. Rather, all this law does is make it clear that if you do not offer certain types of services or referrals to these services, then you cannot deceive the public by saying you do," Gov. Ned Lamont said.

The governor signed Public Act 21-17 into law Wednesday. It goes into effect on July 1.