Pregnancy center sign bill passes

City Council votes to require notice of no abortion referrals

Crisis pregnancy centers in Baltimore must display signs stating they do not provide abortions or birth-control referrals under a measure approved by the City Council Monday night and thought to be the first of its kind in the nation.

Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, a Democrat who was lead sponsor of the initiative, called the measure a victory for women's well-being. She cited a study by an advocacy group indicating that women have been misled at pregnancy centers that provide counseling, clothing and food for expectant mothers - but not abortions.

"It's a step towards making sure that women have the information they need to make the right decision for their health and their future," Rawlings-Blake said.

But abortion opponents say the bill unfairly targets centers that they say provide accurate information and much-needed assistance to poor women.

"The thing that's most disappointing about it is not the particular signs that are put up or the particular bill itself, but the message that it sends," said Maryland Right to Life legislative director Jeffrey D. Meister.

"This is the first time in the United States that any elected body has chosen to vote to condemn pregnancy centers. Baltimore City has just said, 'We recognize you do great work, but politically we're going to regulate you anyway.' "

Similar measures have failed in the legislature in several states, including Oregon and Texas, Meister said. A similar bill is being considered by the Montgomery County Council.

The bill, which passed the City Council on a 12-3 vote, awaits a decision by Mayor Sheila Dixon, who could either sign or veto the measure, or allow it to become law without her signature. A supporter of abortion rights, Dixon has not indicated whether she backs the plan.

Under the initiative, which would affect four centers in the city, counseling centers would be required to post signs in English and Spanish explaining that they do not "provide or make referral for abortion or birth-control services." If inspectors note that the signs are not visible, the center will be given 10 days to post a notice before incurring a $150 daily fine.

"At the very least now, these centers will have to put a sign up that lets women know that information about birth control and abortion won't be found within those doors," said Keiren Havens, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood of Maryland, which has been an advocate of the bill.