Press Releases
05/26/2021
Governor Lamont Signs Bill Prohibiting Deceptive Advertising Intended to Mislead the Public on Reproductive Healthcare Services
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation that prohibits deceptive advertising by so-called limited pregnancy services centers that is intended to mislead the public on reproductive healthcare services.
The legislation gives the Connecticut Attorney General the authority to seek a court order to stop the deceptive practices. Prior to bringing court action, the center must be notified of the pending order and have up to ten days to comply. If ultimately found to be in violation, the court can order the center to pay for and disseminate appropriate corrective advertising, and the center can also receive civil penalties and be charged by the state for attorney’s fees.
“No matter what your views are on women’s reproductive rights, I think we can all agree that it is abhorrent for anyone to advertise healthcare services they cannot or do not provide and give information to someone with the intention of misleading them, particularly during a vulnerable moment in their lives when they are seeking medical advice,” Governor Lamont said. “I want to be clear, this law in no way prohibits anyone from practicing their constitutionally protected, faith-based beliefs. Rather, all this law does is make it clear that if you do not offer certain types of services or referrals to these services, then you cannot deceive the public by saying you do.”
The legislation is Public Act 21-17. It goes into effect on July 1, 2021.
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