NIFLA is the same coalition of pregnancy centers that is represented by the Thomas More Society in a challenge against Illinois's SB1909, a law penalizing pregnancy centers that offer abortion alternatives to vulnerable pregnant women.
The Vermont law censors pro-life pregnancy centers' ability to advertise and even precludes them from offering non-medical services unless provided by a licensed medical professional.
Vermont's law would also penalize any medical professional who offers abortion pill reversal (APR) as a service. Under the law, providing APR would constitute "unprofessional conduct" punishable by "denial of license or other disciplinary action."
During APR, a mother who regrets taking the first drug in the abortion pill regimen (mifepristone) can attempt to save her child's life by taking the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Mifepristone kills an unborn child by blocking progesterone, which helps facilitate the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the child. Taking progesterone helps restore this flow, potentially saving the child's life. Progesterone has historically been used in medical settings to help prevent miscarriage during difficult pregnancies.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing NIFLA in its case against Vermont's law.
“Women who become unexpectedly pregnant should be empowered with life-affirming options, emotional support, and practical resources,” said ADF Legal Counsel Julia Payne. “Vermont’s law, however, does the opposite—it impedes women’s ability to receive critical services during a difficult time in their lives and suppresses the free-speech rights of faith-based pregnancy centers. Pregnancy centers should be free to serve women and offer the support they need without fear of unjust government punishment.”
