McMorris Rodgers, Smith Introduce Legislation to Help Protect Pregnancy Care Centers Against Violent Attacks

Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) today introduced the Protect Pregnancy Care Centers Act of 2022. This legislation require the Biden administration to publicly disclose how it is handling the investigation and prosecution of pro-abortion activists who attack pregnancy resource centers across the country.

“My goal is to foster an environment where no woman feels like their only option is abortion, and I am committed to supporting women and children at every stage of life,” said Rodgers. “The violent attacks on pregnancy centers in Washington state and across the country are reprehensible and only endanger and intimidate the women who depend on them for critical medical care, education, and other resources. I believe all extreme and hateful acts of violence should be condemned, which is why I’m helping lead this legislation to hold President Biden accountable for his failure to respond to this threat with the urgency it deserves.”

Their bill comes amid an alarming spike in attacks against pregnancy care centers—with more than 65 acts of violence recorded since the unprecedented Supreme Court Dobbs leak in May—and follows an ominous declaration of “open season” by the pro-abortion group “Jane’s Revenge” on pro-life pregnancy centers.

 “Now more than ever, we need to ensure the safety and security of pregnancy care centers that provide life-affirming alternatives to abortion—offering critical, quality care for women facing challenging pregnancies and helping to save so many unborn, innocent lives,” said Smith.

Specifically, the Protect Pregnancy Care Centers Act would require the Inspector Generals of the Justice Department and Homeland Security to investigate and disclose to Congress information on the Biden administration’s response to the surging violence, including details gathered on groups that have claimed responsibility for the attacks and the number of prosecutions initiated against perpetrators.

This legislation would also require the administration to report on current funding streams available to pregnancy care centers for needed security measures to guard against violent threats and provide recommendations for the creation of additional grant programs to protect them given the spike in attacks in recent months.

KEY FACTS:

• More than 828,130 unborn babies have been saved through the work of pregnancy care centers.
• 76 percent of women seeking an abortion say they would choose life if their circumstances were different. 
• There are nearly 3,000 pregnancy centers across the United States providing services to close to 2,000,000 patients. 
• Pregnancy centers outnumber Planned Parenthood by more than 2,000 facilities. 

CLICK HERE to read the bill. 

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