Summary: The Resolution Against Deceptive Practices in Reproductive Health strongly condemns the deceptive practices of unregulated pregnancy clinics operating in [State] call for the protection of clients who visit these clinics.
Based on NJ AR 68 (2020)
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act shall be called the “Resolution Against Deceptive Practices in Reproductive Health.”
SECTION 2. RESOLUTION
Whereas, unregulated pregnancy clinics (UPCs) also known as “crisis pregnancy centers,” are a type of nonprofit organization established to counsel clients against having an abortion;
Whereas, many UPCs intentionally advertise as if they were all-options reproductive health clinics in order to entice pregnant clients inside;
Whereas, many UPCs are designed to resemble medical clinics, with waiting rooms, examination rooms, medical equipment, and staff dressed like doctors and nurses, the majority of UPC staff, both employees and volunteers, are not licensed medical professionals;
Whereas, most UPCs do not inform clients that they are not a medical clinic, may not have medical licenses, and may not be supervised by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner;
Whereas, most UPCs purport to offer ultrasound services, and yet these are typically non-diagnostic ultrasounds which are not interpreted by professionals licensed to do so;
Whereas, most UPCs offer ultrasound services primarily as a means to display fetal images with the intent of discouraging clients from seeking abortion care;
Whereas, since UPCs are nonmedical entities, they are not required to meet the sanitation and safety standards that apply to medical facilities and, in most cases, are not subject to any regulations at all;
Whereas, UPCs often use manipulative and coercive tactics on unsuspecting clients, expressing negative judgment toward clients who are considering abortion, emergency contraception, and even birth control medications and devices;
Whereas, UPCs frequently provide clients with inaccurate information linking abortion to adverse outcomes, as well as misinformation about the effectiveness of condoms, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and the stage of a client’s pregnancy;
Whereas, when clients receive misinformation, including incorrect due dates that could delay the delivery of prenatal care, it can be dangerous to their health;
Whereas, it is appropriate that this [House] strongly condemn the deceptive practices of unregulated pregnancy clinics in order to protect the health of clients who visit these clinics; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the [legislative body]: