Press Releases

Early next week, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra, to determine whether a California law, which requires pro-life pregnancy centers to inform clients about free or low-cost abortion services, is a violation of free speech. Prior to the oral arguments, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) delivered a speech on the House floor to acknowledge the life-saving contributions of pro-life pregnancy centers across America.

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A transcript of Rep. Arrington’s remarks follows below. “Mister Speaker, in the shadow of over 60 million precious American lives aborted in the United States, there is light. “This light shines through the roughly 2,000 pro-life pregnancy centers in communities across our nation, including mine in West Texas. “These pregnancy centers are dedicated to serving 2.3 million women a year - that’s 6,500 a day! Because of their good work – providing ultrasounds, medical services, parenting classes and even ministering to their deeper, emotional, and spiritual needs -- these pregnancy centers save lives – hundreds of thousands of lives! “You see, Mister Speaker, they believe like a lot of us do, that all life is a gift from God and deserves their Constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  “But, now, these pro-life pregnancy centers in California are being forced by law to advertise in a way that goes directly against their mission, and more importantly, their conscience. “The state of California mandates these pregnancy centers disclose how patients can obtain a state-sponsored abortion. “California, in my opinion, is abusing the power of the state to force people to post messages they do not believe in and which violate their conscience. “Government coercion of speech or conduct that violates the religious conscience of an individual is in direct violation of the First Amendment. “The Founders intentionally listed the right to freely express our religious beliefs first, because they recognized the vital role faith in God plays in cultivating a moral foundation necessary for this democratic society. “While this inherent right to religious expression is being undermined, the Constitution could not be clearer on this question.  “I am confident the Supreme Court will uphold this sacred right against the heavy hand of government coercion.”

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