Attorneys for a pro-life pregnancy center resource group reported that they are optimistic after presenting oral arguments in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday in a case that could reverse a California law that promotes abortion in all pregnancy crisis centers in the state.
The case, National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra, is challenging the Reproductive Freedom, Accountability, Comprehensive Care and Transparency (FACT) Act, which requires state-licensed reproductive health clinics to inform clients that public programs provide free or low-cost family planning services, including abortions.
“We hit a home run today in the court,” said NIFLA President Thomas Glessner. “In fact, [Alliance Defending Freedom CEO] Michael Farris hit a grand slam home run.”
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement praising the work of pro-life pregnancy centers but cautioning “some governments want to force them to provide free advertising for the violent act of abortion in direct violation of their pro-life convictions and the First Amendment. The United States Supreme Court cannot let this happen. We pray that the Court will do the right thing and uphold our fundamental right to free speech when it decides this case.”
The lawsuit has largely been seen as an attack on faith-based pregnancy centers, which are required to provide materials that contradict their beliefs, while non-denominational pregnancy centers are not required to provide information on alternative options to abortion.