On Tuesday the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, reversed a decision that upheld a California law that required “crisis pregnancy centers” to inform women of all of their options, including abortions.
The 2015 law ensured that these centers, which are worked to persuade women from ending their pregnancies, don’t mislead women and educate them on all the resources available to them.
The court overturned the law, claiming that the first amendment guarantees that these these facilities don’t have to provide information that conflicts with their personal and religious beliefs.
Art Caplan, the director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Boston Public Radio Wednesday that he is disappointed in the court’s decision.
“It is a real blow, unfortunately, against informed consent,” Caplan said. “I think every patient has the right to know all of their options. Right now, we are putting the organization ahead of the patient, the clinic ahead of the women.”
Caplan believes that this decision will lead to more women avoiding pregnancy facilities and going directly to a pharmaceutical option.
“I think more and more women are going to use those pills, and they are going to buy them online,” said Caplan.
