This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Chief Justice Roberts, the case is National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, DBA NIFLA v. Xavier Becerra, Attorney General of California, docket number 16‑1140.
According to Jeffrey B. Wall, the dispute concerns a California law that requires pregnancy‑center clinics to disclose information about services they do not provide, raising First Amendment free‑speech concerns.
Background and question before the Court
According to Jeffrey B. Wall, california’s law compels pregnancy‑center clinics to make disclosures about abortions and other services they do not provide, which the amicus argues may violate the First Amendment because it forces speech contrary to the clinics’ deeply held beliefs.
What each side argues
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FAMILY AND LIFE ADVOCATES, DBA NIFLA
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
XAVIER BECERRA, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CALIFORNIA
The State argues that the legislature is aware of the shortcomings of other methods of providing information to the public.
The State contends that pregnancy‑center clinics are not required to provide the mandated disclosures.
What happened at oral argument
According to Chief Justice Roberts, chief Justice Roberts announced the hearing of case number 16‑1140.
Justice Gorsuch asked whether the Court should consider the State’s other available means of providing the required messages.
According to Justice Gorsuch, justice Gorsuch further questioned the propriety of forcing a private speaker to educate the public about their rights under the First Amendment.
Justice Kennedy asked, “Why not?” in response to the State’s arguments.
The oral argument concluded with Chief Justice Roberts noting that the case was submitted.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- e11bcd55740394a83246-r1-a807148f557f05e3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 26, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.