Defend Pregnancy Centers

UPDATE: County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has withdrawn the proposed action against crisis pregnancy centers in San Diego. Thank you for your prayers and advocacy.

San Diego County Bill Aims to Shut Down Pregnancy Centers: Call to Action to Defend County Crisis Pregnancy Centers  

On November 7, 2023 County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer introduced a bill to the County Supervisors’ Board that directs litigation to shut down all crisis pregnancy centers in San Diego County.  She accused crisis pregnancy centers of being “Fake and Fraudulent Crisis Pregnancy Centers” that use “deceptive methods to dissuade women from pursuing abortion by providing blatant misinformation presented as medical advice.”   She also calls for a public “education campaign” to raise public awareness of state-sponsored abortion programs and endorse Planned Parenthood’s services.  

Crisis pregnancy centers provide a variety of free medical and non-medical services depending on the specific center.  Services range from free licensed professional medical care, ultrasounds, pregnancy testing and referrals for additional care to non-medical services like assistance with food, rent, gasoline, assistance with job and school applications, parenting classes, and baby items such as diapers, clothing, car seats, and cribs.  Support for other family members needs’ is also common, especially school-aged siblings and elderly family members. 

Supervisor Lawson-Remer’s accusations are not based on any supporting data, evidence, or complaints against crisis pregnancy centers.  She admitted there have been no investigations.  Threatening litigation and closure of all county crisis pregnancy centers without any supporting evidence is clearly unjust.  At the least it harasses these valuable organizations.  Fighting litigation will divert valuable resources away from clients and toward expenses of defending themselves.  At worst, and likely the goal, is to eliminate alternatives to abortion, thus forcing abortion on unwilling women and their families who depend on pregnancy centers’ supportive resources. 

This proposal was presented at the November 7 County Supervisor’s Board meeting and was tabled until the next meeting on December 5 due to a 2-2 tie vote on whether to accept it.  While there was very strong opposition from the public via the public comments process, crisis pregnancy centers remain at risk of attack.  Since the November 7th meeting, Monica Montgomery Steppe was elected to the Board and is known to be pro-abortion.  This is Agenda Item 25 of the Dec. 5 meeting.  

Urgent and immediate action is needed to protect crisis pregnancy centers against this unjust and deceptive action.  While there was significant opposition expressed by the public on November 7, the momentum can drop in the weeks until the December 5th meeting.  Actions: 1) pray and fast for justice and protection for crisis pregnancy centers, 2) communicate your opposition by contacting your county supervisor’s office, submitting e-comments, and attending the December 5th meeting virtually or in person.  How to participate: 

Contact the County Supervisors:

· Call the Bill’s author, Supervisor Lawson-Remer’s office with your opposition. Her number is 619-531-5533

· Call your Supervisor.  If you don’t know who your Supervisor is, click here: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/general/bos.html.html

Comment.  Please be respectful; negative comments lose their impact. To comment on the Agenda in person, phone, or online register here:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/bos/comment-at-board-meetings.html

How to participate in person in the Board Chambers at 1600 Pacific Highway during the Board hearing which is 9am-5pm:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa/aginfo.html.  The time each item is discussed varies. 

If individuals wanted to call in by following these instructions:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/bos/telecomments.html.

E-Comments are welcome:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/bos/ecomment.html as well as letters of opposition that you can submit directly to share with the other Board offices.

Please also consider attending this Dec. 4 Mira Mesa Meet & Greet with Supervisor Lawson-Remer.