WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 488

Pregnancy Center Fraud Prevention Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marvin Lim and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 488 bans misleading ads by limited services pregnancy centers, ensuring pregnant individuals receive accurate healthcare information, especially in marginalized communities.

House Second Readers
#health
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 488

Summary of House Bill 488: Pregnancy Center Fraud Prevention Act

Bill Number: HB 488
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Current Status: House Second Readers
Primary Sponsors: Representatives Westbrook, Miller, Oliver, Lim, Park, and others

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 488, titled the Pregnancy Center Fraud Prevention Act, aims to protect individuals seeking reproductive healthcare by prohibiting limited services pregnancy centers from engaging in false or misleading advertising. The bill seeks to ensure that pregnant individuals receive accurate information regarding the services available to them, thereby preventing deception and manipulation, particularly among historically marginalized groups.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition on Misleading Advertising:

    • The bill explicitly prohibits limited services pregnancy centers from disseminating false or misleading information about their services.
    • Centers must not advertise themselves as providers of comprehensive healthcare if they do not employ licensed medical professionals or provide referrals for emergency contraception or abortion care.

  2. Definitions:

    • The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "advertising," "client," "limited services pregnancy center," and "perinatal facility," clarifying the scope of the legislation.
    • A "limited services pregnancy center" is defined as a facility that does not provide abortions or emergency contraception and does not refer clients for such services.

  3. Enforcement and Penalties:

    • The Attorney General and local district attorneys are empowered to enforce the provisions of this bill through civil actions.
    • Penalties may be imposed on those who violate the advertising prohibitions.

  4. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill includes findings that highlight the need for accurate information in reproductive healthcare and the potential harm caused by deceptive practices, particularly targeting vulnerable populations.

  5. Cause of Action:

    • Individuals who believe they have been misled by a limited services pregnancy center may have the right to pursue legal action.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The legislation primarily impacts limited services pregnancy centers, which will need to adjust their advertising practices to comply with the new regulations.
    • Pregnant individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, will benefit from clearer and more truthful information regarding available healthcare services.

  • Healthcare Landscape:

    • The act aims to enhance the integrity of reproductive healthcare advertising in Georgia, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions without being misled.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 18, 2025, and has since moved through the legislative process, currently being reviewed by the House Second Readers as of February 20, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 488 represents a significant step towards regulating the advertising practices of limited services pregnancy centers in Georgia. By establishing clear guidelines and penalties for misleading advertising, the bill aims to protect the rights of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare and ensure they receive accurate information.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.