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All LA 'pregnancy centers' now complying with notification law
A woman inspecting a pregnancy test.
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All LA 'pregnancy centers' now complying with notification law
All of Los Angeles' six known "crisis pregnancy centers" are now complying with a new state notification law, after the last holdout posted the required information, City Attorney Mike Feuer said Wednesday.
The law requires licensed clinics to notify clients that the state offers access to low-cost and free abortions for eligible women. Unlicensed clinics must disclose that they’re not licensed by the state to provide medical care.
The sixth and final facility in L.A. to come into compliance with the law is Avenues Pregnancy Clinic, a licensed center in Hollywood.
In August, Feuer found that Avenues hadn't posted the required abortion notice. He cited the facility and gave it 30 days to correct the violation. On Wednesday, Feuer confirmed that the proper signage is now posted in the center's lobby.
"Women have the right to accurate information about their reproductive choices," Feuer said in a statement. "I'm proud of our work to ensure each L.A. pregnancy center complies with this important disclosure law. We'll be vigilant in ensuring they continue to follow it."
The centers provide women with pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and counseling; critics say their main goal is to persuade women not to have abortions.
Last month, Feuer reported that three other centers had come into compliance with the law. Two posted the required notification after being informed of the violation and getting 30 days to fix it. One missed that 30-day deadline but posted the notice after Feuer threatened to ask a court to fine the facility up to $2,500 for each day of non-compliance.
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Feuer appears to be the only local official in the state enforcing the law.
The California Department of Justice is not aware of any enforcement actions against crisis pregnancy centers outside of Los Angeles, said spokeswoman Kristin Ford.
In April, KPCC reported that pregnancy centers in Pasadena and Duarte were defying the law. Officials in both cities said they won't take enforcement action unless they receive complaints about the centers.
A number of pregnancy centers have filed separate lawsuits seeking to overturn the notification law. The suits allege the measure violates the centers’ freedoms of speech and religion.
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