It’s morally bankrupt to deceive poor women – NIFLA v. Becerra ruling

Washington, DC – Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5 to 4 vote striking down California’s law requiring health centers to provide comprehensive healthcare information to their patients. Catholics for Choice’s Domestic Program Director, Glenn Northern, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed with today’s ruling. At the heart of our Catholic faith is the belief that every individual is endowed with the inherent dignity to make their own moral decisions and not be coerced into a predetermined path.

We are deeply worried about the unregulated growth of fake health centers that actively deceive women facing unplanned pregnancies. These facilities purposely prey on low-income, underserved communities where women have less resources and information about their medical options. It is simply immoral and unkind to present yourself as a source of help for a woman only to drive her toward a decision that only she will have to move forward with.

We must care for the good of our neighbors and that means empowering all women— especially those at the margins— with sound, comprehensive information that allows them to follow their conscience on deeply private matters. We stand against fake health centers and their manipulative tactics to swindle women.”

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