According to a recent study conducted by Maria Gallo and her team at The Ohio State University, between 12 and 20% of women with a history of pregnancy or testing for pregnancy have visited crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) across four U.S. states. The findings of this study were published in PLOS One.
Crisis pregnancy centers are known for providing pregnancy and parenting resources, often aligning with missions that oppose abortion, contraception, and promote abstinence outside of marriage. While these centers may appear to be medical facilities, they are typically not licensed clinics and may provide inaccurate or misleading information about sexual and reproductive health.
The research utilized data collected between 2018 and 2020 from the Surveys of Women, a survey of adult women in Arizona, Wisconsin, Iowa, and New Jersey. Nearly 9,000 women were included in the study, and the results revealed that 11.6% to 20.2% of women who had been pregnant or tested for pregnancy reported visiting a CPC for pregnancy-related care. Attendance rates varied across the four states, with Arizona having the highest percentage at 20.2% and New Jersey the lowest at 11.6%.
The study did not find any significant correlation between CPC attendance and factors such as age, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. These findings shed light on the prevalence of CPC attendance among women in these states and emphasize the need to address misinformation and inaccuracies that may be provided by these centers.
The researchers emphasized the importance of understanding the role of CPCs in pregnancy-related health, especially as the reproductive healthcare landscape continues to evolve. They caution against relying on CPCs for medical care due to their lack of medical and safety standards.
It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware that their pregnant patients may have visited CPCs and been exposed to misinformation. Correcting any misinformation and providing accurate information is essential for ensuring the well-being of pregnant individuals. This study serves as a valuable insight into the prevalence of CPC attendance and highlights the need for continued efforts to educate and support women in making informed healthcare decisions.
For more information, the study titled “Prevalence of crisis pregnancy center attendance among women in four U.S. states” can be accessed in PLOS One. The findings underscore the importance of addressing concerns related to misinformation spread by CPCs and the impact it may have on women’s reproductive health.
