Red states move to protect crisis pregnancy centers using model legislation

"The CARE Act is "model legislation" created by the Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-abortion, conservative Christian legal advocacy group. The Wyoming bill says that pregnancy centers, many of which are affiliated with religious organizations, need legal protection after facing "unprecedented attacks" following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade."

"The legislation would prohibit state and local governments from requiring crisis pregnancy centers to perform abortions, provide referrals for abortion services, or inform patients about such services or contraception options. It also would allow crisis pregnancy centers to sue the violating government entity."

"Opponents of these centers say they falsely present themselves to consumers as medical clinics, though they are not subject to state and federal laws that protect patients in medical facilities."

Conservative lawmakers across multiple states are pushing legislation designed to protect crisis pregnancy centers from government mandates. The CARE Act, model legislation created by the Alliance Defending Freedom, prohibits state and local governments from requiring these centers to perform abortions, provide abortion referrals, inform patients about abortion services or contraception, or allow government inspections. The legislation also grants centers the right to sue violating government entities. Wyoming passed this version in March 2025, with similar bills advancing in Kansas and Oklahoma. Supporters argue centers face unprecedented attacks following the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision and need legal protection for freedom of speech and association. Critics contend these centers misrepresent themselves as medical clinics while avoiding state and federal patient protection regulations.

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