The Fifteenth Court of Appeals in Texas has ruled against Yelp, Inc., allowing a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to proceed in which he is accusing the company of misleading consumers about pro-life pregnancy centers.
The decision, hailed as a victory by pro-life advocates, reverses a lower court’s dismissal and holds Yelp accountable for allegedly targeting Texas users with deceptive disclaimers.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office initiated the lawsuit, claiming Yelp placed false and misleading disclaimers on listings for pro-life pregnancy centers, which provide free counseling, medical services, and support for women seeking alternatives to abortion.
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According to a statement from Paxton’s office, Yelp’s actions were an attempt to “push a pro-abortion agenda” by discrediting these centers.
A leading pro-life group applauded the ruling.
“Attorney General Paxton’s victory is a win for truth,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “For too long, pro-life pregnancy centers have been targeted by powerful corporations that want to silence their work and smear their reputation. These centers offer free, life-affirming care to women and families—services that deserve respect, not censorship.”
The appellate court’s ruling affirmed that businesses, including online platforms like Yelp, can be held accountable under Texas law for targeting Texas consumers.
“This case sends a clear message,” Tobias said. “Attempts to mislead the public or discredit pro-life help centers will not go unanswered. National Right to Life stands with Attorney General Paxton and every official who works to ensure that women receive accurate information and compassionate care.”
Paxton’s office emphasized that Yelp’s disclaimers misrepresented the services offered by pro-life centers, which provide compassionate care and practical assistance to women and families.
“We thank AG Paxton for his diligence in holding Yelp accountable,” Tobias added. “Online platforms have a responsibility to present accurate information, not manipulate it to promote an abortion agenda. This ruling affirms that no company is above the law, no matter where they are based.”
The decision clears the path for the lawsuit to move forward, potentially setting a precedent for how online platforms handle information about pro-life organizations.
