Today, in a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States of America in NIFLA v. Becerra, upheld a challenge to the FACT Act-- a California law that required fake reproductive health clinics, also known as Crisis Pregnancy Centers, to provide accurate and factual medical information to patients. In a twisted decision, the cis male majority SCOTUS has made it clear that they support the use of deceptive tactics to mislead women and pregnant people looking for timely medical care. Abortion Access Front and Abortion Access Hackathon, founders and directors of the national #ExposeFakeClinics coalition and campaign, are outraged and, more than ever, committed to ending the lies of deceptive fake reproductive health centers.
Lizz Winstead, Founder of Abortion Access Front & Co-Creator of “The Daily Show” had this to say:
“These fake women's health centers have built an industry out of lying to women about their healthcare options. They are so committed to deception, they fought all the way to the Supreme Court to defend their ‘right’ to do so. Today, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, making lying to women a first amendment right. I just feel sad that this ruling allows women in need to be stalked by people who will lie to them and shame them in their most vulnerable hour, but I will continue to fight back.”
Emily Loen, Director of Campaigns at Abortion Access Hackathon issued this statement:
“Pregnant people living in the US do not deserve to be lied to. We are disappointed by the misguided belief that free speech excuses fraud. We are continuing the fight for transparency in fake reproductive health centers.”
The #ExposeFakeClinics coalition is committed to telling the truth about fake reproductive health care centers. The fourth 'Week of Action' is planned for August 10-19th. We remain dedicated to exposing fake clinics, strengthening the national network of activists, and centering the real needs of people seeking accurate, timely medical care. Can't stop, won't stop!
About ExposeFakeClinics:
We are a 70+ member strong national coalition that has written over 1,100 online reviews of fake centers, held over 100 demonstrations, and strongly support basic regulation of fake reproductive health centers. The coalition is made of of health care providers and reproductive justice advocates. EFC has created billboards in West Virginia and Colorado, held Online Review-A-Thons in Florida, rallied New Yorkers in NYC, designed code to fight online deception in California and Texas and been integral in passing legislation in Oregon and Connecticut.