Care Net Celebrates Victory for Women in Washington State; Anti-Pregnancy Center Bill Defeated
LANSDOWNE, Va., March 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Care Net, a national network of 1,130 pregnancy centers, celebrated the defeat Monday of a Washington state bill that threatened to shut down 56 pregnancy centers in that state. The bill, HB 1366, was prompted by abortion advocacy groups that have launched a nationwide campaign against pregnancy centers that help women choose alternatives to abortion. The bill expired when it was not brought up for a vote Monday in the full State House of Representatives.
Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde praised the Washington legislature for refusing to lend support to the bill. "Care Net commends the Washington State legislature for recognizing the truth about HB 1366 -- that it was a biased attack by one industry on its competition," Delahoyde said. "Women in Washington deserve to make their own choice of where they go for help with an unexpected pregnancy. This bill would have eliminated that choice and pointed them solely to abortion providers. "Washington state pregnancy centers have a strong record of service to the state, providing more than $18.6 million dollars worth of free services every year to women, children, and families. After two committee hearings and thousands of emails, phone calls, and meetings, legislators have now heard the positive truth about pregnancy centers directly from the community. Care Net would like to thank everyone who came to the support of pregnancy centers in opposition to this bill -- you made a difference! "But the battle is not over. Despite the fact that a similar bill from Baltimore City was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court of Maryland, groups like NARAL and Planned Parenthood are continuing to seek states and localities that will pass bills attacking pregnancy centers. The real stories of women whose lives were touched by the compassionate, caring work of pregnancy centers must be heard. If you've ever been helped by a pregnancy center, we ask you to share your story with others and help Care Net continue to counter the misinformation that is being spread."
