NIFLA v. Becerra – Supreme Court Case Information

NIFLA's landmark win in the highest court of the land overturned unconstitutional legislation targeting its pregnancy centers.

In 2018, the Supreme Court issued a historic ruling in favor of the free speech rights of pro-life pregnancy centers and all Americans. In addition to protecting the work of life-affirming pregnancy centers, this landmark ruling also expanded protections for the free speech rights of medical professionals, Christian counselors and churches.

While this case was pivotal in the pro-life pregnancy center movement, it also proved to be a watershed moment for the nation as a whole. NIFLA v. Becerra raised public awareness around the life issue like never before, sparking a wave of efforts to protect life across the U.S.

Many Acknowledged the Significance of the NIFLA v. Becerra Ruling

In 2019, President Trump and V.P. Pence both mentioned the anniversary of this landmark case that upheld first amendment rights for pregnancy centers and all Americans.

The historic victory before the U.S. Supreme Court secured the rights of pregnancy centers to continue their work and protected the free speech of pregnancy centers’ staff and volunteers.

Pro-life Supreme Court Case: NIFLA v. Becerra

Case Summary

In 2015, California passed AB 775, the so-called "Reproductive FACT Act.” This law mandates that medical pro-life pregnancy centers provide written or digital information to their patients - such as a sign in the waiting room - on how to obtain a state-funded abortion. This means that nonprofit pro-life medical clinics as well as their staff and volunteers are being forced to violate their consciences - an outright violation of their First Amendment rights.

In defense of the 150 California pregnancy centers it represents, NIFLA filed a lawsuit challenging this legislation. Arguments for this landmark case were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 20, 2018.

NIFLA v. Becerra is not just about whether or not to hand out abortion information on a piece of paper or post it on the walls of our pro-life centers. It is about the right belonging to all American citizens to be free from government-compelled speech, and from being coerced into promoting a message that contradicts their values,” Anne O’Connor - NIFLA Vice President, co-counsel in the lawsuit on behalf of NIFLA’s member centers.

On June 26, 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of free speech and pro-life pregnancy centers nationwide.

Fighting for Freedom of Speech & Standing for Life

Key Takeaway

The NIFLA v. Becerra case stands to prevent government-compelled speech as well as unconstitutional targeting of those with differing viewpoints. Ultimately, the NIFLA v. Becerra decision is a win for pro-life pregnancy centers and the free speech rights of Americans nationwide.

NIFLA stands for life, from the local level to the highest courts of the land, fighting unconstitutional legislation targeting its member centers.

But the battle to protect life and freedom is far from over. The fight to protect our nation’s life-affirming centers is more intense now than ever, as unconstitutional laws attempt to force pro-life volunteers, medical staff, and even churches to promote abortion.

Additional resources are critical to respond to ongoing threats.

Pro-life pregnancy centers need legal protection—and your help—now more than ever before. Please consider partnering with NIFLA in protecting pregnancy centers so they may continue their life-saving work.

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