Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), also known as “Pregnancy Resource
Centers”, are facilities that look like medical clinics but are
actually anti-choice centers created to oppose abortion rights. CPCs
give inaccurate information (or worse, no information) about abortion
as an option for pregnant women.
CPCs are often publicly
funded and run by anti-choice advocates; they frequently have no
medically licensed staff. CPCs may attempt to coerce and intimidate
women out of considering abortion as an option, and can prevent women
from receiving unbiased and comprehensive medical advice. In many
instances, misinformation becomes intimidation – the worst possible
kind of “counseling” a woman needs or wants.
CPCs are
often located near colleges and universities. CPC advertisements in
college newspapers have included slogans such as “Pregnant? Scared? We
can help!” or “Free Pregnancy Test”. Although they may claim to
provide information about all options, Crisis Pregnancy Centers often
refuse to make referrals for abortions or birth control.
The
staff at Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center have heard numerous
stories from clients who have gone to CPCs. These women have received
inaccurate information, including being told that abortion can cause
breast cancer; abortion will cause serious and life-long depression;
and abortion will cause a woman to become infertile. Mabel Wadsworth
Women’s Health Center strongly opposes the presence of CPCs and the
public funding provided to them.
For more information on
Crisis Pregnancy Centers and what you can do to help raise awareness,
contact our Education and Outreach department at
. You can also visit any of the following links for more information: