In a recent development, Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey has sparked controversy by labeling pro-life pregnancy centers as "brainwashing cult clinics" and advocating for their closure.
Gottheimer issued a press release alleging that these pro-life centers engage in deceptive practices, disseminate harmful medical information, fail to provide prenatal care, and aim to "brainwash" women.
"Women go to these healthcare hoax clinics thinking they will get real medical help, but instead they are greeted by people with no medical background whose goal is to brainwash women with their own ideological agenda," Gottheimer stated. He further emphasized the need to "shut down these brainwashing cult clinics" and halt the "fake programming theyre pushing."
In response to these allegations, the Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, along with the New Jersey Consortium of Pregnancy Centers, expressed their outrage over what they termed as "inflammatory, false comments."
Eileen S. Den Bleyker, Esq., an attorney representing the Consortium, accused the lawmaker of showing up unannounced at the Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center and misrepresenting them.
Debbie Provencher, executive director of Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, defended the center's work, stating, "For four decades, Lighthouse has provided free, confidential services in Northern New Jersey to women and couples facing unexpected pregnancies, and essential support to underserved parents caring for newborns."
She added that the centers have deliberately avoided political entanglements, focusing instead on helping families overcome generational poverty and expanding their medical staff.
Provencher expressed her disappointment over the misrepresentation of the center's work, stating, "We are saddened that the beautiful generosity and sacrificial service of Lighthouse supporters constituents of the congressmans district who donate time and money to assist parents they will never meet were so mischaracterized." She also highlighted positive reviews from the center's clients as evidence of the value they bring to the community.
The New Jersey Attorney General issued a warning against crisis pregnancy centers last year. Provencher revealed that Den Bleyker attempted to initiate a dialogue with the state, but officials declined. The Consortium requested records to justify the state's claims against them through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), but specific record requests were denied.
In July 2023, a judge ruled that the state had wrongfully denied access to public records and ordered their release. "No documentation of any problem has been revealed to date, but the State has been given additional time to comply and the lawsuit remains pending," the statement read.
Den Bleyker expressed her frustration over the situation, stating, "When you have something that is put out in this fashion, allegations like this, there is no way to defend against it. It is totally unfair." She further argued that the state should provide proof to support its allegations.
The New Jersey Consortium of Pregnancy Centers offers free consultations, medical confirmation of pregnancy, services by licensed medical professionals, and parenting preparation with material aid to women facing unexpected pregnancies. Provencher expressed her willingness to meet with Gottheimer to address any questions he might have about the centers.
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