H.R.846 - Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act; SAD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 846, the Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act (SAD Act), aims to prohibit deceptive advertising related to abortion services. It targets crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) that disseminate inaccurate information about abortion and contraception. The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these prohibitions through rulemaking, civil actions, and penalties.
Expected Effects
The SAD Act would likely reduce the spread of misinformation regarding abortion services, potentially leading to more informed decisions by individuals seeking reproductive healthcare. It could also increase scrutiny and regulation of CPCs, affecting their operations and advertising practices. The FTC would gain additional authority to regulate advertising in the reproductive health sector.
Potential Benefits
- Provides individuals seeking abortion services with more accurate information.
- Reduces the potential for deceptive practices by CPCs.
- Empowers the FTC to regulate advertising related to abortion services.
- May lead to better reproductive health outcomes for individuals.
- Could reduce delays in accessing time-sensitive abortion care.
Potential Disadvantages
- May face legal challenges based on free speech arguments.
- Could be perceived as targeting organizations with specific religious or moral beliefs.
- May lead to increased polarization and conflict surrounding the abortion debate.
- Could create a chilling effect on legitimate advertising related to reproductive health.
- The definition of 'disinformation' may be subject to interpretation and potential abuse.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable, particularly concerning the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. While the government can regulate false or misleading commercial speech, restrictions must be narrowly tailored and serve a substantial government interest. The Act's prohibition on 'disinformation' could be challenged as overly broad or vague, potentially infringing on protected speech. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for federal regulation of advertising, but the specific application to abortion services may be contested.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).