My name is Barbara Colt. I am on the board of directors for The Womxn Project. The Womxn Project is a statewide organization focused on leveraging the power of art, activism, advocacy and education to advance the principles of reproductive justice, which demands that we all have the right to determine when and how we build our relationships, families and futures and that we have the ability to live and raise our children with dignity.
I am thrilled to submit testimony to very strongly oppose S614, which would create a license plate that funnels money to fake health centers that lie to people who think they’re facing an unintended pregnancy. That is horrific – and unacceptable.
Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) advertise services such like pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, and resources. Some even say they offer abortion referrals. However, in reality, they fail to provide medically accurate information and even mislead women about their abortion care options. They advertise in low-income neighborhoods and near college campuses, places where than lure in folks who know an unintended pregnancy would be particularly difficult and who might not have the funds or support to become a parent or add to their family and really need information about all of their options.
These fake clinics actively dissuade pregnant people from seeking and obtaining abortions by manipulating and shaming them and lying about abortion complications. They rarely provide information about contraception and their information is not based on science or medicine. It is about pushing their beliefs on people in tough situations.
These bills have been challenged arguing that it is unconstitutional for a state to endorse one political viewpoint over another, and that the funding of agencies affiliated with churches or religious organizations amounts to establishment of religion. Due to the harsh treatment and the deceit, some states have prohibited funding from these plates to go to a fake center.
We strongly believe that it is inappropriate and incredibly concerning to have state money go to such a place. We urge you to vote no on this important legislation. Do not support S614. Thank you.
Contact: Barbara Colt ([email protected] or 401-400-0061)