Insights: Crisis Pregnancy Centers: Best Practices for Patient Guidance
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Written by Mackenzie Wills, DO and Maya Bass MD MA FAAFP
Online searches for abortion or pregnancy services can lead patients to crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). In 2026, there were over 2,500 CPCs operating in the United States. These organizations mimic medical clinics, offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, but do not provide comprehensive reproductive health services. They are not regulated as medical facilities and generally aim to discourage abortion.1,2
CPCs often appear like medical offices near other medical facilities. They may mimic the name of independent abortion centers. They will often publicize that they offer free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and baby supplies. CPCs provide information around birth control and abortion that is not evidence-based, including reports that abortion increases risks of breast cancer, infertility, or mental illness, which have all been disproven.2,3 There is also a concern that use of CPCs may delay accessing medical care, but more research is needed to assess this. Use of CPCs was found to be higher in Black, non-Hispanic women and women of lower socioeconomic status.4*
In accordance with ACOG’s guidance, clinicians should be prepared to discuss all pregnancy options and provide appropriate referrals.5 Ideally, clinicians are guiding patients away from CPCs and towards clinics that provide evidence-based reproductive health care. Clinicians can help guide patients by using trusted search engines to give “warm” referrals. AbortionFinder.org, ineedana.com, and plancpills.org are reliable websites for finding abortion services as well as resources for financial, travel, logistical, legal, medical, and emotional support.3,5
Patients can also identify CPCs by asking specific questions:
- Is this a licensed health center?
- Can I get an abortion here?
- Do your staff members have a medical license?
Given the volume of CPCs, search engines guiding patients to them, and the lack of credible medical care among CPCs, it is crucial for clinicians to guide patients to reliable search engines and credible medical facilities. A map of CPC locations is available at Crisis Pregnancy Center Map.
*The studies cited in this Insights use the term “women.” RHAP recognizes that this language is not inclusive of all people who seek care. A person’s biology does not determine their gender.
RHAP Resources:
How to Spot and Avoid Fake Abortion Clinics
Download and print our resources for free from our website or visit our store to buy physical copies!
Partner Resources:
Reproductive Health Hotline (ReproHH)
A free, confidential phone service (1-844-737-7644) offering evidence-based clinical information for healthcare providers across the US who have questions related to sexual and reproductive health.
Sources:
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