A California lawsuit targeting Heartbeat International is heading to trial this week in what the organization describes as a major First Amendment test involving abortion pill reversal (APR) information.
In People v. Heartbeat International, the California Attorney General is seeking nearly $20 million in penalties over the group’s promotion of APR through its Abortion Pill Rescue Network. The state alleges violations tied to consumer protection laws, while Heartbeat International argues the case is an attempt to penalize protected speech and restrict access to information about abortion alternatives.
Paul DeBeasi, Chairman-elect of MCFL and APRScience.org Research Director, warned that a ruling in California’s favor “would hand attorneys general across the country a roadmap to penalize any non-profit organization that provides women with information the state disagrees with.”
Heartbeat International notes that California has reported no complaints from women regarding APR and plans to present testimony from mothers who say they successfully carried pregnancies to term after contacting its network.
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