A pair of lobby groups are calling foul on a Kamloops pregnancy centre’s city tax exemptions.

The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada along with the BC Humanist Association are demanding Kamloops city council revoke exempt status for the religious clinic, Hopewell Clinic and Pregnancy Centre, and impose property taxes, according to a news release from the groups issued today, Aug. 31.

The clinic’s nurses provide information on pregnancy options and STI treatment, but medical care for pregnancy is beyond their scope. As an affiliate to national charity Pregnancy Care Canada, its staff cannot refer patients for abortions even when there is potentially a medical need, according to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada.

“This not only poses health risks for clients, it’s a violation of medical ethics and best practices,” Abortion Rights Coalition executive director Joyce Arthur said in the release.

Hopewell is among a list of non-profits in Kamloops slated to have their local tax exemptions renewed for another three years. If approved, the clinic will be spared a combined $35,620 in property taxes, according to city hall documents.

The list is vetted by city staff before it’s ultimately approved by council, with a final decision required before November.

“Homeowners and small businesses shouldn’t be on the hook for subsidizing a religious, anti-choice front group,” BC Humanist Association executive director Ian Bushfield said in the release.

“Council has a duty of religious neutrality and to uphold the human rights of its residents.”

Hopewell has been operating in Kamloops since 2007 and its staff offer pregnancy support, but the clinic does not propose to replace prenatal care. Staff will instead provide information about where to receive medical care at other clinics, according to its website.

Staff can also advise those considering an abortion, according to its website.

“Our team will provide you with abortion procedure information, risks associated with abortion, and alternatives to abortion,” the website reads.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to Hopewell to respond to the Abortion Rights Coalition but has yet to receive a response.