Orlando Proposes New Regulations for Crisis Pregnancy Centers Amid Increased Funding
Orlando, FL – In a significant move, Florida’s Democratic State Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Anna Eskamani are pushing for stronger regulations on crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) as the state’s alternatives-to-abortion program receives an additional $4.5 million in funding for the year. This effort aims to increase oversight and transparency for organizations funded by the state and comes in light of ongoing concerns regarding the accuracy of the information these centers provide.
What is Happening?
The proposed House Bill 63, known as Pregnancy Support and Wellness Services, seeks to implement essential regulatory guidelines for organizations that contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN). The FPCN is a nonprofit that manages Florida’s alternatives-to-abortion program, which has faced criticism for its lack of oversight and for using public funds without adequate compliance measures.
Why is This Important?
Eskamani emphasized that these centers often misinform pregnant individuals about abortion options, presenting medically inaccurate information. “Crisis pregnancy centers operate with little to no oversight while receiving millions of public dollars annually — money that could otherwise go toward legitimate, evidence-based health care,” she stated. She aims to protect both patients and taxpayers with this renewed push for regulation.
Who is Involved?
The bill is co-sponsored by Skidmore and is backed by several advocates for patient rights and transparency in healthcare. Eskamani, who has experience working with Planned Parenthood, stressed that the goal of the legislation is to ensure accountability by requiring CPCs to meet established standards similar to other publicly funded programs.
Details of the Proposed Regulations
Under HB 63, organizations receiving state money must provide medically accurate materials and information to clients. This includes facts about abortion, which many CPCs have been found to misrepresent. For instance, some centers have erroneously claimed that abortion increases cancer risk or mislead individuals about how far along they are in their pregnancy.
Facilities failing to adhere to these requirements could face financial penalties. Additionally, the Florida Department of Health would be mandated to conduct annual financial audits and unannounced visits to ensure compliance with these new standards.
Funding Context
The FPCN’s funding has significantly increased, with allocations rising from $4 million in 2022 to an expected $29.5 million in the current year, supporting CPCs that some critics describe as predatory. The previous year, the funding had seen a five-fold increase in connection with Florida’s six-week abortion ban.
Next Steps
The proposal is set to be revisited during Florida’s upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4, 2025. However, its fate remains uncertain. Similar legislation was introduced last year but failed to progress past committee hearings. With the Republican-controlled legislature, it is unclear whether HB 63 will receive the necessary attention and support this time around.
Community Reaction
Support for the bill reflects a growing concern among citizens about the operations of CPCs and the ethical implications of funding facilities that may not provide accurate healthcare information. Advocates argue that ensuring truth in healthcare and integrity in the use of taxpayer dollars should be a bipartisan issue that fosters patient protections.
This legislative effort highlights the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights and healthcare access in Florida, as the state grapples with a significant shift in abortion regulations and funding priorities.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
