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Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2024
2/3/2024, 12:45 PM
Summary of Bill S 3611
The bill specifically aims to prevent the government from discriminating against pregnancy centers based on their beliefs or practices. It prohibits the government from taking any adverse action against a pregnancy center based on their refusal to provide or refer for abortions or abortion-inducing drugs.
Additionally, the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2024 ensures that pregnancy centers are not required to provide or refer for services that are contrary to their beliefs. This includes services related to contraception, sterilization, or abortion. Overall, this bill seeks to uphold the freedom of pregnancy centers to operate in accordance with their beliefs and values, without facing discrimination or pressure from the government. It is currently under review in Congress and has garnered support from those who advocate for religious freedom and the protection of pro-life organizations.
Congressional Summary of S 3611
Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2024
This bill explicitly authorizes states to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to carry out programs that encourage patients to carry their pregnancies to term rather than seek abortions. Under current law, states have broad authority to use TANF funds as they see fit to accomplish any of the program’s four purposes, including to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
The bill also prohibits the federal government from subjecting entities receiving TANF funds to disparate treatment because they encourage patients to carry their pregnancies to term, or because they do not provide, assist, or counsel in favor of abortion. Similarly, the federal government may not subject states contracting with such entities to disparate treatment. Under the bill, disparate treatment includes presumed ineligibility for TANF funds or presumed failure to satisfy the purposes of the program. The Department of Justice, a state, or an entity adversely affected by a violation of these provisions may bring suit in civil court for appropriate relief, including money damages. Federal officials may not invoke sovereign immunity as a defense to such a suit.
