SAD Act

The "Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act," or "SAD Act," seeks to combat deceptive advertising related to abortion services. It specifically prohibits any person from misrepresenting the reproductive health services they offer, such as falsely claiming to provide contraception, abortion services, or referrals for such services. The bill also makes it unlawful to misrepresent the employment of or access to licensed medical personnel. This legislation addresses concerns that organizations, often referred to as crisis pregnancy centers, disseminate inaccurate information and mislead individuals seeking reproductive healthcare, particularly in the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these prohibitions, including the authority to promulgate necessary regulations. Violations will be treated as unfair or deceptive acts, allowing the FTC to bring civil actions for various remedies such as injunctions, damages, restitution, and civil penalties. Penalties can reach up to $100,000 per violation (adjusted for inflation) or 50 percent of the entity's preceding 12-month revenue . Notably, the FTC's enforcement powers under this Act extend to nonprofit organizations, which are often exempt from certain FTC jurisdiction. The Commission is also required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing its enforcement actions and any new regulations.