Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Judge Blocks NYC's "Abortion Disclosure" Law
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2011
Modified Jul 14, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2011
Modified Jul 14, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A federal judge blocked a recently passed law that requires "crisis pregnancy centers" to disclose whether they offer abortions and whether there's licensed medical care. Judge William Pauley called the law "unconstitutionally vague," noting, "This court presumes a threat of irreparable harm to plaintiffs’ first amendment rights."
A March Daily News article illustrated how "crisis pregnancy centers" operate: Converted buses are set up near Planned Parenthood centers or abortion clinics, with workers saying, "We can do a free ultrasound and help you with prenatal care, all you have to do is say yes to life." However, the CPCs are not licensed medical providers, and City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin (D-Manhattan) said at the time, "If you're going to be giving sonograms, it should be under the supervision of a doctor." The law was intended to prevent the centers' "deceptive practices," further pointing out, "Some pregnancy services centers have engaged in conduct that wrongly leads clients to believe that they have received reproductive health care and counseling from a licensed medical provider."
Now, with Pauley's decision, anti-abortion group 12 Frontline Pregnancy Centers founder Chris Slattery was in a good mood, telling the News, "This is a slap at the mayor, City Council President Christine Quinn and all the council members who voted for this law. We are completely thrilled that we have been vindicated of our First Amendment rights." Speaker Quinn, however, characterized the ruling, as "deeply disappointing" and a "disservice to women... Today's decision means that pregnancy service centers can continue deceiving women who seek their services."
Planned Parenthood NYC Vice President of Public Affairs, Simone Ward, says, "We are disappointed, but not discouraged by this ruling, and will stand by the New York City Council as they continue to fight to protect the health and safety of the men, women and teens we serve as well as of all New Yorkers. Let’s not forget, these centers purposefully deceive women, and dissuade them from seeking safe, legal and often lifesaving health care. They have lied to our patients, and given our patients false information under the guise of providing factual medical advice. This law has nothing to do with ideology and everything to do with protecting New Yorkers, and removing the barriers that prevent the men, women and teens of New York City have from accessing safe, high-quality medical care."
The city plans to appeal the ruling.
Tagged
abortion
abortion disclosure
anti-choice
city council speaker quinn
constitution
crisis pregnancy center
first amendment
pro choice
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .