Reproductive Equity Now Applauds $1 Million Investment for Public Education Campaign on Dangers of “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” in House Supplemental Budget
Reproductive Equity Now has consistently advocated for public education funding as one of its main budgetary priorities
BOSTON (February 28, 2023) — Reproductive Equity Now today applauded the inclusion of $1 million for a public education campaign on the dangers of “crisis pregnancy centers” in the FY2023 supplemental budget released by the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Crisis pregnancy centers,” or anti-abortion centers, purport to offer the full spectrum of pregnancy care when, in reality, they exist to manipulate and dissuade people from accessing abortion.
The funding would be used to help educate providers and the public about so-called “crisis pregnancy centers” and their lack of medical services, in addition to where people can access legitimate medical and family planning services throughout the state.
“We are so proud that the Massachusetts House has included an investment in a public education campaign on the dangers of anti-abortion centers in its supplemental budget. So-called ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ are the foot soldiers of the anti-abortion movement. They pose a serious threat to people seeking unbiased, compassionate care when facing an unintended pregnancy,” said Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder. “Combating anti-abortion centers’ deceptive and manipulative practices is no small challenge; these facilities outnumber legitimate abortion clinics three to one in Massachusetts. A comprehensive public education campaign that gets on the ground, meets people in their communities, and ensures that every person has access to up-to-date information about where they can access fact-based, unbiased medical and family planning services will be key to curtailing the impact of these anti-abortion facilities. In a post-Roe world, this information is more important than ever before, and we are so proud to see the Massachusetts Legislature continue to meet this moment of crisis with bold legislative and budgetary solutions.”
Last legislative session, through both its annual budget and the economic development package, the Massachusetts Legislature made a clear commitment to supporting legitimate abortion care in Massachusetts, including by allocating $1 million toward a public education campaign on the dangers of anti-abortion centers. Unfortunately, that critical funding was vetoed in the eleventh hour by former Governor Charlie Baker. Reproductive Equity Now has continued to advocate for this funding as one of the organization’s key budget priorities.
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