HHS to California: Targeting Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Violates Federal Law

from American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)

Recently, we told you about our important victory in a First Amendment lawsuit we filed against the State of California’s misguided attempt to force pro-life pregnancy care centers to act as referral agencies for the abortion industry. That case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled last June that California’s FACT Act – a measure co-sponsored by then California Attorney General, now Senator and Presidential hopeful, Kamala Harris – violated the free speech rights of our clients. After remand from the Supreme Court, the State agreed to the entry of a permanent injunction against enforcement of the law.

But the case we pursued in the courts was just one prong of our multi-pronged strategy against the FACT Act. While we were litigating the issue under the First Amendment, at the same time we filed Complaints with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights. That agency is charged with enforcing a number of laws passed by Congress over the years aimed at protecting the conscience rights of individuals and entities whose religious beliefs and ethical principles prevent them from advocating for or participating in abortion. Two such laws – the Weldon Amendment and the Coates-Snowe Amendment – prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against individuals or health care entities because they do not provide, pay for, or refer for abortions. Sadly, these laws have mostly remained dormant since their enactment, little used during both Republican and Democratic administrations.


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The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555.