Most anti-abortion pregnancy centres are charities – and they need regulation to ensure transparency
For immediate release
ARCC welcomes new legislative changes
NATIONAL — The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) strongly supports the Liberal government’s amendment to the Income Tax Act, requiring pregnancy care centres to accurately disclose their services if they want to retain their charitable tax status. This legislative amendment has the critical objectives of protecting the rights and health of pregnant patients who need sound advice and care, and preserving the integrity and reputation of the charitable sector.
ARCC has been raising awareness for over 15 years about the troubling practices of anti-abortion pregnancy centres. The findings of our 2023 study examining the websites of “crisis pregnancy centres” in Canada were consistent with previous studies and reports on the tactics of these agencies. They aim to dissuade clients from abortion by sharing misinformation and engaging in biased counseling. This can leave clients feeling anxious, afraid, and confused, and may even delay their care. Many centres present a secular front, but are actually Christian ministries that promote traditional sexual morality and criticize abortion. Despite these questionable practices, ARCC reports that over 90% of anti-abortion pregnancy centres are registered charities.
“When someone experiences an unintended pregnancy and isn’t sure what to do, they need unbiased support from a centre that will not mislead them about whether they support or oppose abortion,” said Joyce Arthur, Executive Director of ARCC. “They deserve to hear from professionals who follow basic medical ethics by putting patients’ health and interests first. They deserve accurate information on all their options, including the safety of abortion versus the risks of childbirth.”
But pregnant people do not get such supports if they find themselves at an anti-abortion pregnancy centre, said Arthur. “Requiring these centres to clearly disclose the pregnancy-related services they do and do not provide – without obfuscation or tiny print – is the minimum standard they should meet.”
Arthur said the legislative changes should be easy for pregnancy centres to abide by, with little risk and few changes on their part. “All they need to do is disclose their services in a clear manner and they will maintain their charitable tax status. Further, the new requirements align well with the claims of anti-abortion centres that they treat clients in an honest, compassionate, and respectful way.”
ARCC commends the government of Canada for taking action to protect vulnerable pregnant people who may be misled into attending a pregnancy centre that uses deceptive tactics. The legislative changes will also create more public confidence in the charitable sector. “Canadians want to trust that charities do good works and won’t create harm. That includes being fully transparent about their services and the motivations behind them,” said Arthur.
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