Two bills affecting pregnancy resource centers are currently under consideration by a Louisiana House committee, prompting a local nonprofit leader to call on residents to contact their legislators and oppose the measures.
Amber Bradford, executive director of Seeds Women’s Center in Minden, is urging the public to reach out to their elected officials as the legislation is being reviewed by the House Health and Welfare Committee. Lawmakers began considering the bills on April 8, making outreach time-sensitive.
The measures include House Bill 611 by Rep. Freeman and House Bill 931 by Rep. Mandie Landry.
House Bill 611, titled the “Pregnancy Help Center Healthcare Licensing Act,” would require pregnancy help centers that provide healthcare services, such as pregnancy testing or ultrasound imaging, to be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health. The bill outlines standards for staffing, safety, recordkeeping, and inspections, and establishes penalties for operating without proper licensure.
House Bill 931 would prohibit contractors or subcontractors within the Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative from conditioning services on participation in religious activities, including attending classes or viewing materials with religious instruction. The bill also establishes a complaint process and potential penalties, including loss of eligibility for state funding.
Bradford said she believes the legislation could negatively impact the operations of pregnancy resource centers and is encouraging community members to act quickly.
Residents of Webster Parish are represented in the Louisiana House by Rep. Dr. Wayne McMahen, who can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling (318) 371-3092.
The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to continue discussions on the bills as the legislative process moves forward.