Contact: Virginia Cline, Heartbeat International, 614-885-7577 ext 112
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- At the urging of pro-abortion groups, U.S. Rep. Maloney (D-NY) and Sen. Menendez (D-NJ), in a bill claiming to regulate "advertising," are demanding that the Federal Trade Commission develop rules that would restrict pregnancy centers from reaching out to women who need accurate information about abortion procedures and risks.
"Stop Deceptive Advertising in Women's Services Act" is not only itself deceptive but seeks to specifically target pregnancy support providers in order to restrict speech that provides alternatives to abortion and affirms life.
"This bill is not at all what it sounds like," according to Heartbeat International Vice President Joe Young. "Pregnancy centers are reducing the number of abortion sales and this aggravates the abortion industry. A more accurate name for this bill might be 'Stop Alternatives to Abortion Advertising to Pay Back the Abortion Industry Act.' This is an attempt to prevent women who deserve choices from connecting with pregnancy help centers."
"Without any financial gain, Heartbeat affiliates provide the emotional support and practical help needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy," said Young. "The pregnancy help movement is dedicated to protecting women, protecting maternal health and protecting child well-being."
Heartbeat International affiliates have pledged to uphold the "Commitment of Care and Competence" which serves as the operating principles for pregnancy service providers. This commitment requires that affiliates provide accurate information about pregnancy, fetal development, abortion procedures and risks, lifestyle issues, and related concerns. Additionally, the commitment requires that all advertising and client communications are truthful and accurately describe the services offered.
"Heartbeat's network provides the vital information that each woman needs to make an informed decision about the future of her pregnancy. These are the crucial facts that abortion facilities often choose to leave out," said Young. "We believe that a choice without all of the facts is no choice at all."
To drive legislation hostile to pregnancy centers earlier this year, NARAL Virginia alleged billboards that read "Pregnant? Need help? Call 800-395-HELP" are deceptive because the caring women answering the phone do not sell abortion. The sponsor of NARAL's bill, voted against his own bill once he heard how pregnancy centers are helping women. Virginia's General Assembly went on to pass a resolution honoring pregnancy centers.
Heartbeat International (www.HeartbeatInternational.org), founded in 1971, is a Christ-centered association of more than 1,100 pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, non-profit adoption agencies, pregnancy help medical clinics and abortion recovery programs in 50 countries.
