FACTS - Senate Bill (SB) 6452 and House Bill (HB) 2837
"limited service pregnancy centers"
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is pushing for new legislation that would put a "gag-order" on faith-based pregnancy help organizations providing free support to pregnancy women.
SB 6452 and HB 2837 is part of a nationwide campaign by abortion advocacy groups to steer women to abortion providers instead of pregnancy centers for assistance with an unwanted pregnancy.
SB 6452 / HB 2837 - VIOLATES CONSTITUTION
Bill violates Constitution by applying Consumer Protection Act to religious non-profit organizations -- thereby violating the pregnancy center's rights of freedom of faith and conscience.
SB 6452 / HB 2837 - THREATENS PREGNANCY CENTERS ABILTIY TO STAY OPEN
Bills target pregnancy centers with excessive regulation that WOULD NOT apply if the pregnancy center provided abortions or abortion referrals. Could result in large penalties and fines because of false testimony.
SB 6452 / HB 2837 - PUTS THOUSANDS OF UNBORN CHILDREN LIVES AT RISK
In 2009, pregnancy centers in Washington State served over 60,000 women at NO CHARGE and provided over 20,000 FREE pregnancy tests.
Medical professionals (i.e., Physicians, Nurse Practictioners, Registered Nurses, Sonographers) under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician serving as Medical Director, performed over 6,000 FREE ultrasounds to confirm viable intrauterine pregnancies.
SB 6452 / HB 2837 - VIOLATES EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE
Bills violate the Equal Protection Clause because it singles out Pregnancy Resource Centers and Medical Clinics for regulation in this manner and specifically excludes agencies such as Planned Parenthood and other abortion promoting agencies.
Attorney General's Office has estimated the bill will cost Washington taxpayers more than a half million over the next four years!
Stop SB 6452 and HB 2837 in Washington State-UPDATED 2/05/10