With Florida’s “alternatives-to-abortion” program receiving a $4.5 million funding boost this year, Democratic State Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Anna Eskamani are advocating for stricter oversight of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). These centers, funded by the program, have long faced criticism for disseminating misleading information and lacking accountability.
Eskamani, speaking to Orlando Weekly, emphasized the need for regulatory standards:
“Crisis pregnancy centers operate with little oversight while receiving millions in public funding—money that could support legitimate, evidence-based health care. This bill ensures compliance with basic standards, prevents medically inaccurate information, and protects taxpayers and patients.”
The Proposal: House Bill 63
House Bill 63, titled Pregnancy Support and Wellness Services, seeks to hold organizations contracting with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) accountable. The FPCN, an anti-abortion nonprofit overseeing the state’s alternatives-to-abortion program, allocates funds to religious nonprofits like Catholic Charities and CPCs. Critics argue these centers often pose as abortion clinics to dissuade individuals from seeking abortion care, offering services like free ultrasounds but providing little to no accurate information on abortion.
The bill proposes:
- Medically Accurate Information: CPCs must provide truthful, evidence-based materials. Reports have shown CPCs misinform clients, falsely linking abortion to cancer risks or overstating pregnancy durations.
- Financial Transparency: The Florida Department of Health would conduct annual financial audits and unannounced compliance inspections of CPCs receiving state funding.
- Penalties for Noncompliance: Centers failing to meet standards would face fines.
Funding Surge Fuels Debate
The proposed legislation comes amid a significant increase in funding for the program. In 2023, funding jumped from $4 million to $25 million following Florida’s six-week abortion ban. For 2024, the program’s budget has risen to $29.5 million, sparking concerns over the allocation of public funds to CPCs, described by critics as manipulative and predatory.
Eskamani, a former Planned Parenthood employee and current candidate for Orlando mayor, framed HB 63 as a matter of accountability and fiscal responsibility:
“Taxpayer-funded programs must adhere to transparency and operational standards. Supporting this bill is about integrity, fiscal responsibility, and protecting patients.”
Legislative Hurdles
The bill’s prospects remain uncertain. Similar proposals by Skidmore and Senator Lauren Book failed last year when Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature declined to schedule them for hearings. For HB 63 to advance, it must pass multiple committee hearings during the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4 and lasts 60 days.
Whether the proposal will gain traction in the upcoming session remains to be seen, but advocates hope public pressure will push lawmakers toward ensuring better oversight of taxpayer-funded CPCs.