Louisiana Legislature looks to increase funding for controversial pregnancy centers [Video]

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Louisiana Legislature is poised to invest millions into controversial anti-abortion pregnancy centers.

SB278 looks to greatly increase funding for anti-abortion pregnancy centers in the name of trying to have better health outcomes for mothers and their babies. State Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, said her main goal is to get mothers in need connected with resources. 

The state legislature has already budgeted for the centers to increase from $1 million from the state general fund to $3 million in the next fiscal year and $5 million in the fiscal year after that.

They began as anti-abortion clinics that did not provide official medical care and referred women to other resources and information.

Jackson-Andrews said she has met with women who have greatly benefited from the centers.

“The young lady that’s not here today to testify in the House committee said that she’s become a healthier mother. …