California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued cease and desist letters to two entities, Cali Choice and LivingHelp Center, regarding their compliance with AB 1720 (Bauer-Kahan). This law mandates that ultrasound technology and similar devices be used only in licensed facilities or by licensed providers. In his letter, the Attorney General emphasized that if these entities are not compliant with AB 1720, they must immediately halt all ultrasound procedures.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated an investigation earlier this year to ensure compliance with AB 1720, which took effect on January 1, 2024. As part of this investigation, the DOJ issued subpoenas to clinics presumed to be unlicensed. To date, both Cali Choice and LivingHelp Center have failed to respond and may be conducting ultrasounds on pregnant individuals in violation of the law.
"AB 1720 ensures that ultrasound medical procedures are administered by qualified healthcare professionals to provide accurate and safe assessment of both the mother and child," stated Attorney General Bonta. "It is incredibly alarming that both entities have not complied with our subpoenas to show they are not providing unlawful ultrasounds, which not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system but also poses significant risks to the health and well-being of individuals who may be seeking support during pregnancy. Today’s cease-and-desist letters are a warning that we hope is heeded so that no further enforcement action becomes necessary."
Some entities, often referred to as Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), use ultrasounds in attempts to dissuade individuals facing unintended pregnancies from seeking abortion care. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these entities "perform ultrasounds to emotionally manipulate and shame pregnant people under the guise of informing or diagnosing them." ACOG also cautions that CPCs use ultrasounds to create a false image of being legitimate healthcare clinics offering comprehensive and unbiased reproductive healthcare. The DOJ has issued a consumer alert warning Californians that CPCs do not offer abortion or comprehensive reproductive care.
Copies of the cease-and-desist letters can be found here and here.