This week, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of a state law that requires anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers to inform visitors about abortion services.
National Institution of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) vs. Becerra pits the state of California against anti-abortion activists. Xavier Becerra is California's attorney general.
Supporters have said the law simply targets deceptive practices, arguing that crisis pregnancy centers target women who are seeking abortions. Opponents said the law violates the First Amendment by compelling anti-abortion groups to make pro-abortion-rights speech.
Twenty state attorneys general, including Arkansas' Leslie Rutledge, have signed a friend of the court brief arguing that the California statute is unconstitutional.
On Friday, the Republican discussed the case during a panel discussion at the Newseum in Washington.
"The issue is about freedom of speech and whether or not the government can compel an entity to advertise for ... products, services [or] something in violation of their conscience," Rutledge said in an interview Friday.
"It's important for Arkansas voices to be heard on this issue," she added.
The law would require dozens of the centers to give clients the following information: "California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services (including all FDA-approved methods of contraception), prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women. To determine whether you qualify, contact the county social services office at [insert the telephone number]."
To comply, the centers can distribute printed notices "in no less than 14-point type" or a digital notice or a public notice "posted in a conspicuous place where individuals wait." The law sets the size of the lettering for those notices ("no less than 22-point type") and the size of the signage ("at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches.")