Plain Language Summary
# Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act (SAD Act) Summary **What the bill would do:** The SAD Act would make it illegal for anyone—including individuals, businesses, and organizations—to use deceptive advertising when marketing reproductive health services. Specifically, it targets false claims about offering contraception, abortion services, abortion referrals, or employing licensed medical professionals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would enforce the law and could impose civil penalties up to $100,000 (adjusted yearly for inflation) or 50% of a violator's annual revenue, whichever is greater. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets organizations that advertise reproductive health services, particularly those that may mislead patients about what services they actually provide.
This could include pregnancy centers, clinics, and other healthcare providers. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. For a bill to become law, it must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President.
CRS Official Summary
Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act or the SAD Act This bill prohibits deceptive advertising for reproductive health services.Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a person (i.e., individual, partnership, corporation, association, or organization) to deceptively advertise the reproductive health services they offer, including by misrepresenting that the person (1) offers or provides contraception or abortion services (or referrals for such contraception or abortion services), or (2) employs or offers access to licensed medical personnel.The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.In addition to any other penalty, violations are subject to a civil penalty that may not exceed the greater of $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) or 50% of the revenue earned during the preceding 12-month period by the ultimate parent entity of the person who violated the bill.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.