SAD Act Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act
If enacted, HB 846 would implement strict regulations against deceptive advertising regarding abortion services. This includes prohibiting any misleading advertisements that falsely suggest an organization offers abortion services or is staffed by licensed medical professionals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be empowered to enforce these regulations, ensuring those who violate them could face substantial civil penalties, potentially reaching up to $100,000 per violation. This legislative action is positioned as a means to protect consumers from fraudulent practices that obstruct access to authentic reproductive health care.
House Bill 846, known as the 'Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act' (SAD Act), is designed to combat the spread of misinformation surrounding abortion services. The bill acknowledges that abortion services are crucial for reproductive health care, especially in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which allowed many states to impose significant restrictions on abortion access. The introduction of this bill stems from a growing concern about the increase in travel times for individuals seeking abortions and the misleading advertising practices employed by certain organizations, particularly Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs).
The bill is expected to face contention as it defines a clear regulatory boundary for how abortion services can be advertised and presented to the public. Critics may argue that such regulations could have implications for free speech and the rights of organizations to present their purpose. On the other hand, supporters highlight the necessity of the bill in safeguarding individuals against the deceptive practices of CPCs that often mislead women and marginalized individuals seeking timely and accurate reproductive health information. Notably, the bill seeks to address the disproportionate impact of misinformation on under-resourced communities, making it a critical issue within the broader context of healthcare equity.