The full United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit will be hearing oral argument today in Centro Tepeyac v. Montgomery County. The suit, filed by a crisis pregnancy center, challenges a Montgomery County law that forces such centers to notify women that the centers do not have a medical professional on staff and encouraging women to consult a licesnsed medical professional. The suit argues that such compelled speech violates the First Amendment. The crisis pregnancy centers have won the earlier court battles but in August 2012 the full 4th Circuit agreed to re-hear the case.
Mark Rienzi, a law professor form Catholic University, will be arguing the case for the crisis pregnancy centers. From a LifeNews.com article, here is a comment on the case from Matt Bowman:“Pro-life centers provide women with the emotional support and practical resources they need, giving them more choices. They should be free to share that message instead of being compelled to provide the government’s preferred message, which sends women elsewhere. The 4th Circuit panel was right to rule against Montgomery County’s law, and we trust the full court will agree.”http://www.lifenews.com/2012/12/05/appeals-court-to-hear-battle-over-law-silencing-pregnancy-centers/
Richard M.