The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a California law that required faith-based pregnancy centers to inform patients about state-subsidized abortions and contraception.
In the 5-4 ruling by Justice Clarence Thomas (PDF ), the court called the law "unconstitutional" and "overly burdensome."
Those opposing the law said it required compelled speech and violated free speech, while supporters compared the law to those that require clinics that offer abortions to tell patients about alternative pregnancy services.
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Experts say the ruling could have far-reaching consequences beyond rendering the California law unenforceable. It could also threaten laws aimed at reducing abortion in other states which require women who seek an abortion to view ultrasounds and be instructed about the growth of their fetus, USA Today reported .
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California Attorney General Xavier Becerra immediately took to Twitter to protest the ruling.
National pro-life organization Live Action applauded the ruling, saying they believe the law wrongly forced faith-based pregnancy centers to advertise and make referrals for abortions.
"This unjust law was one of the worst offenses against First Amendment rights we’ve seen and shows the illegal lengths the abortion industry and its political allies are willing to go to suppress the pro-life viewpoint and promote the killing of children in the womb," said founder and President Lila Rose.
