Crapo Joins Bill to Secure Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers amid Uptick in Violence
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho), with Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) today introduced the Pregnancy Center Security Act to enhance security for pro-life pregnancy centers and to protect staff and patients from potential violence and extremism. The legislation will establish a grant program for pregnancy-help organizations to implement security upgrades, including the installation of security cameras and systems.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. has seen a dangerous uptick in violence against pro-life pregnancy centers, organizations and churches. In Pocatello, Idaho, Compassion & Hope Pregnancy Center was vandalized.
“Expectant mothers should not fear for their safety when receiving medical assistance and counseling,” said Crapo. “Political extremists across the country have made it clear that they will continue to intimidate those who visit and work at these pregnancy centers as well as continue to carry out violent attacks. This bill would provide much-needed security upgrades to these centers in Idaho and across the country, providing safety and peace of mind to health care personnel and their patients.”
“Under the Biden administration, the fight to protect life has become increasingly dangerous. Pro-life pregnancy centers across the nation, which provide vital resources for women, the unborn, and our communities, have become targets for violent attacks. To ensure these life-saving centers can continue to safely operate, the Pregnancy Center Security Act would create a grant program to enable security upgrades,” said Risch. “While the fight for life is far from over, the Pregnancy Center Security Act is a step in the right direction to ensure those on the frontlines protecting life are safe.”
The Pregnancy Center Security Act has received support from Heartbeat International, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, CatholicVote, SBA Pro-Life America and Family Research Council.
The Pregnancy Center Security Act would:
- Establish a grant program for pregnancy-help organizations to implement security upgrades, including the installation of security cameras and systems, and update facilities for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
- Ensure organizations that perform, assist, counsel, prescribe, refer to an abortion provider, or encourage abortion do not receive federal funds.
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