Federal legislation would require some charities to disclose whether they provide abortion services [Video]

The federal government has introduced legislation that would require charities providing reproductive health services to state clearly whether they offer abortion or abortion referrals.

Organizations that fail to clearly tell their clients whether they provide these services could risk losing their charitable status.

Marci Ien, the minister for women and gender equality, said Tuesday the legislation is meant to combat the spread of “misinformation” by some charities.

“People are walking in the doors of pregnancy crisis centres expecting to receive information on all options that are available to them,” Ien told a press conference.

WATCH | Minister explains new rules for charities giving pregnancy counselling: Minister for Women Marci Ien says the federal government’s plan to introduce legislation requiring that charities providing pregnancy counselling clearly disclose whether they offer abortion or abortion referrals ‘isn’t about revoking people’s charitable status if they are telling the truth.’

“They are met with organizations …