Unmasking Deception: Mobile Billboards Challenge Unregulated Pregnancy Clinics in Arkansas
In early March, mobile billboards made a striking statement outside five crisis pregnancy clinics across Arkansas. Featuring a bold message in bright red reminiscent of “The Handmaid’s Tale”, the billboards warned:
CAUTION!
Pregnancy Help Clinics in Arkansas DO NOT OFFER ABORTION.
HIPAA PRIVACY PROTECTIONS MAY NOT APPLY.
This initiative, organized by Mayday Health—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals seeking reproductive health options—aims to combat misinformation and ensure that the public is aware of their healthcare choices. According to Liv Raisner, the executive director of Mayday, Arkansas has about 43 to 45 crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), and the state’s current abortion laws leave those who wish to terminate a pregnancy in a difficult situation.
The Landscape of Crisis Pregnancy Clinics
The nationwide phenomenon of unregulated pregnancy clinics (UPC) encompasses approximately 2,500 to 4,000 centers across all states. These clinics often employ misleading advertising and employ tactics designed to deter individuals from accessing legitimate reproductive healthcare, including abortion services.
Raisner emphasized that while these centers market themselves as medical facilities, many lack licensed healthcare professionals and avoid stringent health regulations, which has raised considerable concern regarding patient privacy and the accuracy of the information distributed.
The Billboard Tour in Illinois
The mobile billboard tour journeyed through several cities in Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Russellville, Jonesboro, and Little Rock. Each stop attracted attention, often leading to police presence as clinic staff reported the billboard’s message. In many instances, the Mayday team exercised their rights by positioning the billboard at safe distances while ensuring visibility to passersby.
The encounters were generally resolved amicably, with the billboard driver consistently complying with requests from law enforcement.
Funding and Political Backing
Despite the critical role that sound reproductive healthcare plays in combating maternal mortality, unregulated pregnancy clinics are frequently funded by taxpayer dollars. The period between 2021 and 2024 saw over half a billion dollars allocated to UPCs across 21 states. Such funding raises questions about accountability, particularly since these clinics often do not monitor client outcomes regarding prenatal care.
In Arkansas, the maternal mortality rate has reached alarming levels, with 38.3 deaths per 100,000 live births—significantly higher than the national average. As the state government increases funding for UPC initiatives, advocates have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding these operations.
Calls for Greater Accountability
Efforts are underway to investigate the activities of CPCs and UPCs in Arkansas. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has prompted a review of privacy practices, citing potential violations of consumer rights and deceptive claims of HIPAA compliance. With numerous complaints filed regarding misleading tactics by these clinics, advocacy groups are urging state officials to take action to protect the public.
Future Actions and Wider Reach
The success of the mobile billboard initiative in Arkansas has ignited interest from other states also facing stringent abortion laws. As a result, Mayday Health aims to expand its outreach across the country, utilizing various methods from mobile billboards to community engagement to raise awareness about CPCs and UPCs.
The response from grassroots organizations and advocates has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting a growing movement to challenge deceptive practices and ensure that individuals have access to accurate healthcare information.
