ACLJ Responds on Behalf of Its Client to Pennsylvania Attorney General To Quell Looming Attack on Pro-Life Centers
Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) have always been under attack by radical abortionists; but after Dobbs rightly overturned Roe, we have seen an increase in attacks against these centers that are on the front lines of the fight against abortion.
On October 23, 2023, 16 state Attorneys General signed a letter titled “Open Letter From Attorneys General Regarding CPC Misinformation and Harm.” In that letter, the AGs alleged that pro-life crisis pregnancy centers (“CPCs”) are only limited reproductive healthcare facilities that use harmful and deceptive practices to entice women to come into their facilities. While the Pennsylvania Attorney General did not sign that letter, her office released a statement in November 2023 explicitly stating that PRCs are unable to provide medical care because they “are not staffed by licensed medical professionals.” Her office also encouraged people to submit official complaints regarding PRCs and stated that consumers deserve “truthful and accurate information,” implying that PRCs are providing misleading or false information, including about the services they provide.
This accusation against these pro-life centers is more than just a mischaracterization – it is a blatant lie.
The ACLJ has responded by sending a letter directly to Pennsylvania Attorney General Henry on behalf of our client, the Pennsylvania Wellness Collaborative (“PPWC”). The PPWC is a coalition representing numerous PRCs and pregnancy medical centers across Pennsylvania. The coalition formed post-Dobbs in order to “provid[e] a unified voice for pregnancy centers, educat[e their] communities and legislatures, and promot[e] and protect[] pregnancy help statewide.” Our response letter on their behalf proves Attorney General Henry’s statements wrong by detailing that “over 10,000 licensed medical professionals served as paid or volunteer workers in 2,700 [PRCs] across the United States.”
Our letter also raises the fact that PRCs offer full-scope professional care, as they all comply with state and federal privacy regulations, and many adhere to HIPAA as the accepted standard of care (even though the legislation does not formally bind them since they are able to offer free medical services). In fact, PRCs offer a variety of medical services, including various medical exams, pregnancy testing and verification, STI/STD testing and treatment, post-abortion care, and obstetrical ultrasounds. These ultrasounds are performed not only by registered nurses or medical sonographers but also at no charge or, in some cases, at a nominal fee. Further, the services of PRCs extend beyond that, as they offer emotional and mental health counseling, adoption referrals, maternity and baby items, pregnancy option consultations, educational classes, training for new mothers, mentoring for new fathers, and more – all at no cost.
In addition, PRCs have a track record of making substantive donations to families in need. For example, in 2019 alone, Pennsylvania PRCs gave over $5.6 million in diapers, formula, clothes, strollers, car seats, and other resources to expectant mothers who came to a PRC for help. They then continue caring for these women through their medical care and additional services, such as educational classes on nutrition, birthing techniques, and infant care. PRCs serve as a pillar of support – the pillar of support for some women who have no one else to turn to – during what is often a challenging and scary time for moms, especially new ones.
PRCs have always been under attack from the radical Left and those who do not want women to have real choices. However, the ACLJ is deeply committed to protecting the sanctity of unborn lives, supporting women in their decision to choose life, and advocating for PRCs, which are dedicated to doing both. We will never back down from the fight to defend the most vulnerable in our society – precious unborn children.