SAD Act

The Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act, or SAD Act, seeks to combat disinformation in the advertising of abortion services , particularly from organizations like crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Congress finds that CPCs often disseminate inaccurate information, misrepresent themselves as comprehensive healthcare providers, and engage in deceptive tactics that delay access to time-sensitive abortion care, especially impacting underserved communities following the *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* decision. The bill makes it unlawful for any person to engage in deceptive advertising about reproductive health services. Specifically, it prohibits misrepresentations that an entity offers or refers for contraception or abortion services, or employs licensed medical personnel. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is authorized to promulgate necessary regulations and enforce these prohibitions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC's enforcement powers extend to non-profit organizations and include bringing civil actions in federal court to seek injunctions, civil penalties, damages, restitution, and other equitable relief. Violators may face civil penalties up to $100,000 (adjusted for inflation) or 50 percent of the ultimate parent entity's preceding 12-month revenue. The Act also requires the FTC to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing enforcement actions and regulations.