SAD Act

This bill would ban false or misleading ads about abortion and other reproductive health services. It targets ads that pretend to offer abortions, birth control, or referrals when they do not, or that claim to have licensed medical staff when they don’t. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would enforce these rules. The bill notes that some “crisis pregnancy centers” use misleading tactics that can delay care and target under-resourced communities.

Groups that break the law could face fines up to the greater of $100,000 (adjusted for inflation) or 50% of the parent company’s revenue from the past year. The FTC could go to court to stop the behavior and seek refunds or other relief for people harmed. The FTC may also set rules and must send updates to Congress every two years after the law takes effect .

• Who is affected: Anyone advertising reproductive health services, including nonprofits and “crisis pregnancy centers,” with the FTC overseeing compliance .
• What changes: Deceptive ads are banned; misrepresenting services or medical staff is illegal; the FTC can issue rules, bring cases, and seek penalties and consumer refunds.
• When: After it becomes law; the FTC must begin reporting to Congress one year after enactment and then every two years.