The Crisis Pregnancy Center Con

Where would you turn if you found out you were pregnant? Would you search online or in the phone book for a place to talk to someone about all your options? Unfortunately, such a search can be tricky because of the organizations that call themselves crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). These groups advertise themselves as supportive, impartial resources for pregnant women, but they are actually anti-choice organizations. Their goal is to scare women away from abortion options.

CPCs often set up location only a few doors away from real reproductive health clinics. They use names like Pregnancy Aid, Birth Right, and Open Door to trick girls and women into walking into their buildings. Once women are inside, center staff record their personal information and often try to frighten them by showing graphic, inaccurate videos about abortion procedures and the doctors who perform them. Some women have been denied the results of their pregnancy tests when they say that they want an abortion. Others have reported being stalked and harassed, even after they left the centers.

So how will you know if you’re looking at the website of a crisis pregnancy center website or if you’ve walked into one? These tips will help you separate the scams from the real deal:

• In phone books, CPCs often advertise under categories like “Pregnancy,” “Abortion Alternatives,” “Clinics,” and “Women’s Centers.” Look carefully to find real listings of abortion clinics operated by medical professionals.
• CPC websites use the language of choice and options, but they really only present one side of the issue. Sites like www.optionline.org, www.abortionfacts.com, and www.teenchoices.com show only the positive sides of parenting and adoption, and the negative (often inaccurate) sides of abortion and sex.
• CPC staff will often harass or intimidate girls and try to make them feel guilty. Sometimes they discuss religion or prayer.
• To find a legitimate clinic, call and ask if they provide a range of contraceptive options and abortion services or referrals. Avoid clinics that do not give straight answers.

Pregnant teens and women need support, not criticism! Real reproductive health clinics will help you choose the path that’s right for YOU, whether it’s parenting, abortion, or adoption. If you or a friend needs accurate, unbiased information about contraceptives or pregnancy options, check out these trustworthy resources:

Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
Backline, a toll-free talk line for you to learn about your options: 1-888-493-0092

Sources: Feminist Women’s Health Center, National Abortion Federation