If you or someone you know might be pregnant, it makes sense to look for support online or nearby. But not every place that looks like a health clinic gives you the care or information you deserve.
What are Crisis Pregnancy Centers? (CPCs)?
Crisis pregnancy centers are places that may seem helpful at first, but their main goal is to convince people to not to consider all of their pregnancy options.
That means they don’t provide abortions or connect you to abortion care, and they often don’t give you full, accurate information about sexual health or your choices.
Why does this matter?
When you’re making decisions about your body and your future, you deserve:
- Honest information
- Respect for your choices
- Safe and confidential care
Most CPCs are not real medical clinics, which means they may not have license providers, and they might not be required to protect your personal information the way legit healthcare providers do.
How can CPCs can be misleading
CPCs often try to look like real clinics so people trust them. They might:
- Have staff in white coats, use medical-sounding names, offer ultrasounds or “free services”, or set up near clinics like Planned Parenthood
But these are often strategies to get you in the door, not to give you fill care.
Common tactics to watch out for
Some CPCs may:
- Advertise free pregnancy tests or counseling, but not offer real medical care
- Give incorrect or misleading info about how far along a pregnancy is
- Talk about things like “abortion pill reversal” (which is not supported by reliable medical evidence)
- Avoid providing birth control, condoms, or STI testing
- Say judgmental things about sex, LGBTQ+ people, or certain communities
- Pressure you into continuing a pregnancy
- Offer free items (like diapers or clothes), but only if you attend classes or sessions
How to spot a crisis pregnancy center?
Be cautious if a place:
- Calls itself a “pregnancy resource center” or “women’s help center”
- Talks about abortion but won’t actually provide or refer you for one
- Isn’t clear about what services they do and don’t offer
- Use this map to see crisis pregnancy centers around you
Trust yourself
If something feels off, it’s okay to leave. You have the right to ask questions and get clear answers. You always have the right to choose what is best for you. Find a clinic where you can get proper care. Medical providers will be honest about their services and support your decisions without pressure or judgment.