Maryland's "Crisis Pregnancy Centers"

Although Maryland is a safely pro-choice state, that does not mean that the war against reproductive choice is not being waged here. A major front in that war is the "crisis pregnancy center" (CPC).

The NARAL Pro Choice Maryland Fund has researched a number of these facilities throughout the state, sending volunteers in to find out if these are really reliable resource centers for pregnant women. Their extremely troubling published report, released in January, demonstrates the opposite.

According to the report:

Our investigation of 11 Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Maryland found consistent use of false and misleading information, biased and manipulative counseling, and delay tactics to deter and prevent women from exercising their right to choose. ...

[Women] are given wildly inaccurate information about the physical and mental health risks associated with abortion, and informed only about the joys of parenting and adoption. If a client continues to consider abortion, she is given false information about abortion service availability and encouraged to delay her decision. CPCs that offer ultrasounds and STI testing are able to delay clients further through appointment wait times, while also gaining a sense of authority and credibility in their client’s eyes as a medical service provider. However, CPCs are not medical centers. They are operated by volunteers who are, in general, poorly trained in women’s reproductive health issues and well trained in anti-choice propaganda.

Sen. Rich Madaleno and Del. Roger Manno are sponsoring a bill that would require CPCs to disclose that they are not medical facilities. CPCs would be required to give clients and potential clients disclaimers stating that:

• the information provided by the center is not intended to be medical advice or to establish a doctor-patient relationship;
• the client or potential client should consult with a health care provider prior to proceeding on any course of action regarding the pregnancy; and
• the center is not required to provide factually accurate information to clients.

Thirteen of Montgomery County's 24 delegates are co-sponsoring the bill, as are 3 of the county's 8 senators. Click here for Senate sponsors and House sponsors.

Should this bill pass, will Gov. O'Malley sign it? How would this affect the state Democratic Party's strategy of using its hold of the governorship and its overwhelming majorities in both houses of the General Assembly to appease conservatives by passing Republican-like and Republican-lite bills?