Court affirms pregnancy centers’ speech rights

Court affirms pregnancy centers’ speech rights

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a victory for pro-life pregnancy centers June 26 by a 5–4 vote.

The high court reversed a lower court decision regarding California’s 2015 Reproductive FACT Act, which requires pro-life pregnancy care centers to promote abortion services by posting or otherwise informing clients that the state offers free or low-cost access to abortion. The court ruled the pregnancy centers that challenged the measure would likely succeed in their assertion it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Pro-life advocates said the law was an attempt by California government to force pro-life pregnancy centers to provide free advertising for abortion, thereby restricting their freedom of speech.

In a brief opinion concurring with the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy sharply criticized the law, writing, “Governments must not be allowed to force persons to express a message contrary to their deepest convictions.” (BP)