Pro-lifers are chiding U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren after she called on the government to shut down crisis pregnancy centers because they allegedly are fooling women.
Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, is the sponsor of a Senate bill targeting crisis pregnancy centers, also known as pregnancy resource centers. It directs the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules prohibiting a “person from advertising with the use of misleading statements related to the provision of abortion services.” It also allows the FTC to fine crisis pregnancy centers that break the law.
“In Massachusetts right now, those crisis pregnancy centers that are there to fool people who are looking for pregnancy termination help outnumber true abortion clinics by 3 to 1,” Warren told reporters this week. “We need to shut them down here in Massachusetts, and we need to shut them down all around the country. You should not be able to torture a pregnant person like that.”
Pro-life activists say pregnancy resource centers don’t advertise as offering abortions. Such centers often offer pregnant women financial and material assistance in addition to counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and parenting classes. The services are free.
There are an estimated 2,500 pregnancy resource centers nationwide.
Warren’s comments were widely condemned on social media.
“This is out of control irresponsible and wrong @SenWarren – have you ever met anyone affiliated with a center? You are being so destructive right now,” said podcast host and writer Ericka Andersen.
This is out of control irresponsible and wrong @SenWarren — have you ever met anyone affiliated with a center? You are being so destructive right now. https://t.co/NF2bUtBIXF https://t.co/huHwciZct5
— ErickaAndersen | Writer (@ErickaAndersen) July 12, 2022
“[O]ver the years, my followers have donated thousands of strollers, diapers, cribs, & onesies to those predatory, scary pregnancy centers @ewarren is warning us about,” said podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey. “I shudder thinking that perhaps we contributed to the evil of kids being clothed.”
I’m not proud to admit it, but over the years, my followers have donated thousands of strollers, diapers, cribs, & onesies to those predatory, scary pregnancy centers @ewarren is warning us about. I shudder thinking that perhaps we contributed to the evil of kids being clothed. pic.twitter.com/LgOsoyq6sP
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) July 13, 2022
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America posted data about pregnancy centers.
“In 2019 alone, these centers served 2 million people at an estimated value to communities of nearly $270 million,” the pro-life organization said on its Twitter feed. “... Pro-life pregnancy centers exist to empower women & connect them with resources so they can choose LIFE. Planned Parenthood sees empowered moms as a THREAT to their business model. Because Planned Parenthood exists to sell ABORTIONS.”
Related:
Warren, Democrats Pledge to Fine, ‘Crack Down’ on Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Centers
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/David Becker/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
