The Massachusetts state government has erected taxpayer-funded billboards attacking pregnancy centers and encouraging women to “avoid” pro-life organizations.
The billboards, which went up across the state in June, accuse pro-life centers of “mislead[ing] you about your options if you’re pregnant” because these organizations do not provide dangerous and deadly abortion services. Advertisements with the same message were also rolled out on social media platforms, radio, YouTube, and public transit.
Not sure I have ever seen a billboard like this from a state or city health department. They are all over Western Mass now. pic.twitter.com/v9CmgLwQJF
— Alec MacGillis (@AlecMacGillis) July 6, 2024
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, billed the advertisements as a “public education campaign” paid for by $1 million in taxpayer dollars approved in the state legislature’s FY2023 supplemental budget. The initiative marks the first time a state government has used public funds to campaign against pro-life organizations. The state government worked with pro-abortion group Reproductive Equity Now Foundation to launch the attacks.
The billboard directs women to a state government website that attacks pro-life pregnancy centers. The home page provides information on how to identify and file a complaint against pregnancy centers. Women are warned to avoid centers that offer “hope” and feature “pictures of babies and children.”
“Anti-abortion centers, often called ‘crisis pregnancy centers’, look like medical facilities but don’t offer comprehensive care,” the website reads. “Some may not offer any medical care. They may mislead you about your options if you’re pregnant and can put your health at risk.”
The site makes a variety of
