Studies have shown that some representatives of our health care industry deceptively advertise their services to consumers. These ads often misrepresent the education, training, skills, degree, license or clinical expertise of health care providers - resulting in confusion for many patients. Surveys reveal many Americans are unsure of the qualifications possessed by the many physicians, technicians, therapists, nurses and medical assistants who treat them. Advocates say advertisements for professional healthcare services must be accurate and clear to all consumers.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPC), operated by organizations that oppose abortion, dishonestly offer abortion services to women. Some also offer financial assistance, child-rearing resources and adoption referrals. Surveys have found CPCs routinely disseminate false medical information, including the health risks posed by abortion, to vulnerable women. There are around 4,000 of these operations across the United States. In recent years, several states and the federal government have been increasingly positioning these centers as social safety-net providers, shifting money toward them and away from other facilities that provide a wider range of services, like family planning clinics.

Pending Legislation: S.1231 - Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act or SAD Act
Sponsor: Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ)
Status: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Chairperson: Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA)