Governor Lamont has signed a bill into law that prohibits deceptive advertising by so-called limited pregnancy services centers that is intended to mislead the public on reproductive healthcare services.  Ridgefield Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo shared a story on the House floor during debate on the bill about a personal decision she made as an 18-year old. 

She and her boyfriend, now her husband the father of her two children, found themselves with an unwanted pregnancy.  She told her colleagues that the clinic had legal rules to follow in challenging her choice and pushed to reconsider.  Berger-Girvalo says she felt intimidated and did not feel like she could advocate for herself and make a complaint. 

Almost 30 years later, Berger-Girvalo says sharing this story still invokes some of the anxiety she felt then.

The legislation gives the Connecticut Attorney General the authority to seek a court order to stop the deceptive practices. Prior to bringing court action, the center must be notified of the pending order and have up to ten days to comply. If ultimately found to be in violation, the court can order the center to pay for and disseminate appropriate corrective advertising, and the center can also receive civil penalties and be charged by the state for attorney’s fees. 

The legislation goes into effect on July 1st.