Introduction

Crisis Pregnancy Centers, or CPCs, often look like full-service health clinics. They may offer free pregnancy tests or limited ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy and advertise support for pregnant people. But their real goal is to stop people from getting abortions.

Many CPCs are run by groups with strong views against abortion. They usually do not have licensed medical staff on site, and they don’t provide full reproductive health care. That means no prenatal care, no diagnostic ultrasounds, no treatment for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, no birth control, no emergency contraception, and no abortion services or referrals, even if their advertising suggests otherwise.

CPCs are not just offering limited care–they’re often sharing misleading or incomplete information. Some give false information about abortion risks, or intentionally try to delay people from getting care until it’s too late to act. That can lead to confusion and stress, and in some cases, may put a pregnant person’s life at risk.

Why it matters

Why it matters

1. They often share false or misleading information.
   CPCs may tell people that abortion causes long-term health problems or mental illness—claims that aren’t backed by science. Some even say that abortion can cause infertility or breast cancer, which is false.
2. They may not follow medical standards.
   Unlike licensed clinics, CPCs operate with limited oversight and don’t always have to follow medical rules. Many don’t have doctors, nurses, or other qualified providers on site, but are instead staffed by untrained volunteers. Most don’t even have to follow patient privacy laws like HIPAA. That means personal information could be shared without your permission.
3. They can cause real harm.
   By delaying care and steering people away from abortion and contraception, CPCs can have a serious impact on physical and mental health. For some, these centers add to feelings of confusion, guilt, or fear—especially when the pregnant person expected to find real help at what they thought was a real health clinic. Without medically trained staff, a CPC may also misdate a pregnancy or fail to recognize or inform a patient of a serious condition like an ectopic pregnancy. This kind of misinformation can delay or prevent people from getting safe, legal care when they need it most.

Spot a crisis pregnancy center

How to spot a crisis pregnancy center

1. They advertise “free services” with no medical follow-up.
   Many CPCs offer free pregnancy tests or ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, but they don’t provide real medical care. They often won’t refer you to a provider if you want an abortion or birth control.
2. They use emotional or judgmental language.
   Instead of giving you facts, they might try to influence your emotions. For example, they might call the pregnancy an “unborn child” or say abortion is “killing.” Real medical providers focus on facts, respect your choices, and use medically accurate language that reflects each patient’s values.
3. They are often located near real clinics.
   Some CPCs set up close to abortion providers or in former abortion clinics to mislead people. They may use similar names or signs to make you think they’re the same type of facility.
4. They may not have licensed medical staff.
   Ask if the person you’re speaking with is a doctor, nurse, or qualified care provider. If they avoid the question or can’t answer, that is an immediate red flag.

Protect yourself & others

How to protect yourself and others

If you’re looking for reproductive health care, you deserve clear, accurate, and non-judgmental information. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Do your research.
   Before visiting a clinic, look it up online. Look for reviews or news stories that explain what services it offers.
2. Ask questions.
   Call ahead and ask if they offer diagnosis pregnancy care, prenatal care, birth control, emergency contraception, or abortion care. Ask if they have licensed medical professionals on site. A real clinic will give you direct answers.
3. Know your rights.
   You have the right to accurate medical information. You don’t have to stay at a clinic that pressures you or withholds facts. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
4. Help spread the word.
   Let friends and family know about CPCs and how to recognize them. Sharing facts can help others avoid being misled and find real care when they need it most.