Mayor Bloomberg, NYC, New York signed Bill 371 into law Wednesday, March 16th. Chris Slattery, president of Expectant Mother Care, reported to Heartbeat that early this afternoon Mayor Bloomberg signed Bill 371 into law.  He reported the Mayor said, “It may be unconstitutional, but I am going to sign it anyway.”

Almost at the same time, the Federal Court in Montgomery County, MD, struck down almost all the regulations against pregnancy help centers in Montgomery County that had similar restrictions to the New York City law. They left standing only that part of the bill requiring notice as to whether a licensed medical professional is on staff at the center.  This is the second time that a court has struck down this kind of legislative attack against pregnancy help centers. Baltimore, MD courts had ruled similar regulations unconstitutional earlier this year.

In New York City, Chris Slattery had two minutes to address the mayor prior to his signing.  “I told the mayor that this bill was the most unfair, biased process I have ever seen.  No NYC  councilor or staff member has ever visited our centers.  Expectant Mother Care has been operating for 26 years, in full conformity to the laws of NYC, has served approximately 110,000  women, has never been fined, and has never faced a lawsuit.”  Amen.

On Monday a lawsuit will be filed challenging the constitutionality of this bill.

We will continue to follow the news regarding pregnancy help centers in both Montgomery County and in New York City and will keep you updated. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the pregnancy help movement.

Recently, Heartbeat was in New York to support and encourage efforts to fight NYC Bill 371, we heard New Yorkers speak loud and clear. Watch and share this video and let New Yorkers tell you what they think about pregnancy help centers and why this battle is critical.

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