Thousands of CPCs exist nationwide, and the majority -- 87%, according to a Congressional report -- mislead or lie to patients. These ideological fake clinics lure in pregnant women with false advertising about offering comprehensive reproductive health care, only to pursue a conservative religious agenda. They lack trained medical personnel, don't provide advertised services, and deceive patients with fabrications about abortion leading to breast cancer, mental illness, and infertility. Many resort to shaming tactics and pressure women to "accept Jesus"; some go as far as telling a patient she's not pregnant in order to keep her from considering abortion, which can pose a serious health risk.

 

We the undersigned formally request your action against the use of deceptive advertising by so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" in Santa Barbara County.
Thousands of CPCs exist nationwide, and the majority -- 87%, according to a Congressional report -- mislead or lie to patients. These ideological fake clinics lure in pregnant women with false advertising about offering comprehensive reproductive health care, only to pursue a conservative religious agenda. They lack trained medical personnel, don't provide advertised services, and deceive patients with fabrications about abortion leading to breast cancer, mental illness, and infertility. Many resort to shaming tactics and pressure women to "accept Jesus"; some go as far as telling a patient she's not pregnant in order to keep her from considering abortion, which can pose a serious health risk.
Similar legislation preventing CPC's use of false advertising has already passed in New York City, Baltimore, Austin, and (as of January 28, 2012) in San Francisco as well. As our Mayor, you have not only the power, but the responsibility to create an ordinance that would prohibit "crisis pregnancy centers" from making misleading statements about the services they offer. 
So what will you do as our Mayor to make sure that women in Santa Barbara aren't deceived by crisis pregnancy centers?