-Federal Judge: CA Pro-Life Counseling Centers Must Provide Referrals for Abortions
by Dr. D ~ February 17th, 2016
A Federal judge refused to grant an injunction against a California law (effective Jan, 1) that would force all Pro-Life pregnancy counseling centers to provide referrals for abortions. Here’s the story from World Magazine:
Under the law, pro-life pregnancy centers must give information about abortion even though they exist to offer abortion alternatives, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney Matt Bowman argued during a Jan. 28 hearing. …
But Judge John A. Houston refused to put the law on hold while the lawsuit proceeds, becoming the third federal judge to do so. He indicated during the hearing that he thought the required information was necessary for women to make “an informed decision.”
California’s “Reproductive Fact Act” took effect Jan. 1. It requires licensed, religious, pregnancy resource centers to inform women, with either posted signage or a handout, that the state offers free abortions for qualifying women. It specifies the inclusion of a phone number for a county social services office that offers free abortions through the state’s Medi-Cal healthcare system. ….
Response: The Constitutional rights to free speech and freedom of religion no longer seem to apply when we are talking about abortion counseling in California. There are some church counseling ministries which may be affected by this law. At least one pastor says that he will refuse to comply.
Most agree that this bill should not apply to pastors, priests, or clergy who may be formally counseling folks in their churches. Regardless, many ministers would refuse to comply anyway. *Top
