Following a nine month investigation of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) in North Carolina, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina found that the centers provided clients with incorrect information about abortions. NARAL’s 36 page report indicated that the North Carolina CPCs oftentimes did not reveal that they were not comprehensive medical facilities and gave their clients incorrect information about the effects of abortion, including that it could lead to post-abortion stress syndrome and breast cancer, neither of which are supported by medical evidence.
NARAL identified 122 CPCs in North Carolina and noted that 92 percent of the clinics it investigated did not have medical professionals on staff. Moreover, only 12 percent tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Carey Pope, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina stated, “lines are crossed when a center is not upfront about its limited services. This is about women’s health and the safety of the community.”
Currently, there are an estimated 3,500 CPCs nationwide, most of which are affiliated with one or more national umbrella organizations. CPCs often pose as comprehensive health centers and offer “free” pregnancy tests. Some CPCs coerce and intimidate women out of considering abortion as an option, and do not offer women neutral or comprehensive medical advice. Often CPCs are run by anti-abortion zealots who are not licensed medical professionals.
Winston Salem Journal 10/25/11; WRAL.com 10/24/11; Feminist Daily Newswire 10/21/11
