Beware of crisis pregnancy centers!

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) far outnumber abortion clinics in our state, but often mask themselves as reproductive care clinics, so make sure that the clinic where you are seeking services actually provides abortions or abortion referrals, and is not a CPC. These centers have a long history of deception around abortion, and are often funded by religious organizations with the express intention of directing pregnant people and their partners away from accessing abortion care. Some of these centers are more honest about their intent than others; but unfortunately, some pose as real clinics, and engage in deceptive tactics. This can include misinforming patients about the physical and mental health impacts of abortion, deceiving patients about how far along a pregnancy is to keep them from accessing abortion care at the right time, providing emotionally manipulative counseling and ultrasounds, and even harassing and intimidating people to prevent them from going to abortion clinics.

We have a crisis pregnancy center located right here in Boone that follows many of these practices, and many people in our community have shared with us the emotional pain and confusion they’ve experienced there.

To confirm that the clinic you’re going to is an actual medical clinic and not a CPC, ask over the phone if they offer abortion referrals or abortion care. They will either be honest about what they provide, or offer evasive and unclear responses attempting to get you to come in for an appointment. Trust your instincts, and make sure you find a reputable clinic. CPCs can do real emotional harm, especially when you’re trying to make an informed and supportive decision about your pregnancy.

Learn more about CPCs here:
5 Telltale Signs of a Crisis Pregnancy Center
Why Crisis Pregnancy Centers are Legal But Unethical, AMA Journal of Ethics
Campaign to Expose Fake Clinics, Feminist Campus
Know Before You Go, Legal Voice
12th and Delaware, HBO documentary