Baltimore CPC Signs Haven't 'Caused Real Harm,' Editorial Says

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Abortion;  Sexual Health / STDs;  Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 07 Apr 2010 - 4:00 PDT


A Baltimore ordinance requiring crisis pregnancy centers to post signs stating they do not offer abortion and birth control services has "not caused any real harm," despite criticism from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Baltimore Sun says in an editorial. The archdiocese has filed a lawsuit in federal court arguing that the ordinance violates freedom of speech and religion. "Their argument is that just as the government can't prohibit speech, it can't compel it either, except in some narrow circumstances such as commercial speech," the editorial continues. However, CPCs offer health services and the government "does have a compelling interest in making sure that potential clients are not confused -- or in a worst case scenario, misled -- about what services the clinics offer," the editorial states.

The issue "has always been impossible to separate from politics" and "reflects an on-the-ground skirmish over the rules by which the war between pro-choice groups and pro-life groups can be waged," the editorial says, adding that by passing the ordinance, the Baltimore City Council "has thrown some weight behind the pro-choice side." The CPCs "are upset about the law not because it is forcing them to change their practices or say something they don't believe in, but because they feel picked on," it continues (Baltimore Sun, 4/2).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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