Bill Would Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation By Crisis Pregnancy Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) led a group of Senate colleagues in introducing the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act that would ban false advertising related to abortion services by Crisis Pregnancy

Centers. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prohibit deceptive or misleading advertising related to the provision of abortion services and collect penalties from organizations in violation. Each year, thousands of pregnant people seeking objective and medically sound reproductive health care end up walking into crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), who falsely and deliberately advertise themselves as comprehensive reproductive health care providers, yet, their intent is to discourage pregnant people from having abortions. “Reproductive rights remain under a coordinated assault by Republicans across the nation including the latest attempts to ban medication abortion, which is why it is (Government - See Page 8)

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From Page 7 so critical that we preserve access to trusted information and comprehensive reproductive health care services,” said Sen. Menendez. “Our bicameral SAD Act, will direct the FTC to prohibit deceptive and misleading advertisements about abortion services by crisis pregnancy centers that jeopardize women’s health and well-being. It is time to crack down on these centers, stop their harmful and misleading tactics, and finally hold them accountable for their actions.”

CPCs routinely use a variety of de- ceptive tactics, including making false claims about reproductive health care and disseminating inaccurate, misleading, and stigmatizing information about abortion and contraception. Additionally, most CPCs in the United States do not employ licensed medical personnel or provide referrals for birth control or abortion care.

According to the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance, there are more than 2,500 CPCs in the United States, though some anti-abortion groups claim that the number is closer to 4,000. One study found that, on average, CPCs outnumber abortion clinics nationwide by an average of 3 to 1, but

NOTICE OF 6:00 PM MAY 18, 2023, BERKELEY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

MEETING RE: CHANGES TO THE HOLIDAY HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. DECLARATION OF COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT COUNSEL ON BEHALF OF THE HOLIDAY HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. IS REQUESTING THE BERKELEY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD AT 6:00 PM ON MAY 18, 2023, TO APPROVE:

THE DECEMBER 15, 2022, VOTE OF THE HOLIDAY HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. MEMBERSHIP TO AMEND ARTICLE XI, SECTION 1 OF THE DECLARATIONS OF COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

An amendment to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions requires a majority vote of the full Board and a (51%) majority of full votes cast by Lot Owners in Statutory Good Standing. All voting will be by mail-in ballot. To be effective, amendments shall be recorded with the Ocean County Clerk. A copy of the recorded amendments with Book and Page number shall be made available to all Owners.

THE APPLICATION INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE OF THE BERKELEY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.

ANY PERSON WHO WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT UPON THIS PROPOSED REQUEST IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS PLANNING BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT:

Berkeley Township Planning Board 627 Pinewald-Keswick Road Bayville, New Jersey 08721 in some states, the ratio is as high as 11 to 1. According to published reports, New Jersey has 54 crisis pregnancy centers with at least one in every county.

The legislation is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, NARAL Pro-Choice America, American Public Health Association, Guttmacher Institute, Power to Decide, National Women’s Law Center, National Birth Equity Collaborative, National Organization for Women, National Women’s Health Network, Medical Students for Choice, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), IPAS Partners for Reproductive Justice, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Council of Jewish Women, Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Catholics for Choice, American Atheists, and National Council of Jewish Women New York.

“Everybody deserves to have access to accurate, comprehensive, and unbiased medical information to make personal decisions about their health and bodies,” said NARAL Pro-Choice America President Mini Timmaraju. “NARAL applauds Rep. Bonamici and Sen. Menendez’s leadership on the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act, which would help put an end to false advertising from fake health centers that intentionally lie to, shame, and mislead pregnant people seeking an abortion in order to block them from accessing care. As we continue to face an abortion rights and access crisis, now is the time to fight for our freedom to access care and ensure that health information is accurate and unbiased.”

“Anti-abortion facilities cause chaos and confusion by using disinformation to mislead and deter people from getting the basic health care services they need and deserve,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Everyone should have medically accurate and unbiased information about their health care options.”

Local Centers

There are several crisis pregnancy centers in the area. The Open Door in Toms River has an entire web page explaining that they will give information about abortion, but at the bottom, in very fine print, it says “The Open Door does not perform or refer for abortions.”

Compare this to the Birthright locations in Toms River and Barnegat which don’t mention abortion at all.

Jakes Branch Weekend Programs

BEACHWOOD – Live Animal Talks: Come in and meet the animals of Jakes Branch County Park. Visitors will get an up close look at the parks inhabitants and learn about each species. Talks will last approximately 20 minutes. No registration required. Now through June 25 at 1:30 p.m. Free.

Discovery Nature Walks: Join a park naturalist on these brief but informa- tive nature walks through Jakes Branch Park. Weather permitting - walks will not exceed 30 minutes. No registration required. Now through June 25 at 2 p.m. Free

Drop In and Discover: What will you discover about nature when you drop by and join us for a free activity and craft? No registration required. Now through June 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Summer Picnic Party At John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park At Berkeley Island

BERKELEY – Kick-off the summer with a little fun at this beautiful park on June 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy the sun and the cool breezes while you listen to some live music. They will have plenty of activities for both kids and adults alike. Come and enjoy our spray park, playground, and gorgeous views of Barnegat Bay.

They will also have available corn hole, bocce, and horseshoes along with a giant chess and checker set and a giant twister game. Food trucks will be available along with a campfire for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Please pack your blanket and bring some chairs and enjoy the day with us.

2nd Annual Spring Flower Sale

TOMS RIVER – The Holiday City South Garden Club is holding their 2nd Annual Spring Flower Sale - hanging baskets and herb perennials - on May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Look for the big tent!

Leave a message to make reservations or inquiries at 732-341-4518 with Carroll or via email: cbaszkowski@aol.com, or visit the HCS Clubhouse on 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River on Fridays 9:30 to 11 a.m. to purchase tickets.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.

Students’ Artwork Selected For Exhibit

OCEAN GATE – Congratulations to Jude (2nd grade) and Raya (4th grade) for their artwork being selected for the NJASBO 12th Annual Artwork Exhibit!

Flea Market

BERKELEY – Annual Faith Community UMC Flea Market on may 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your treasures to sell or bring your wallet to buy new treasures.

Bake table, and kitchen serving breakfast and lunch will be available. Outdoor spaces cost $25. Contact church office to reserve a space 732-269-9850. Event is rain or shine!