Maternity/ Pregnancy

A crisis pregnancy center (CPC) is a non-profit organization established by pro-life supporters that works to encourage pregnant women not to have abortions and to help mothers in need by providing a number of supportive services. Many centers are religiously-affiliated. more...

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Those which are may be affiliated with a specific church, or it may operate as a parachurch organization.

Services

Depending on its size, resources, and affiliation, a center may provide the following services:

Pregnancy tests; Ultrasound of the fetus; Information favorable to the pro-life view about abortion procedures and their alleged risks; Religious literature, including Bibles; Information on sexually transmitted diseases. Religiously-affiliated CPCs place emphasis on abstinence outside of marriage and marriage for non-married couples.; Information and classes about pregnancy, childbirth and child care; Baby-related items such as clothing (for mother and child), food and diapers, and furniture; Housing assistance and referrals to maternity homes; Information or referrals to social agencies; professional counseling; and medical, legal or adoption services;

Services are provided on a free and confidential basis to any woman, regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. However, centers must report to the police any cases of statutory rape.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers generally do not provide referrals for abortion and contraception. This decision is usually based on the religious beliefs of those who operate CPCs.

A small number of CPCs are affiliated with maternity houses, or temporary homes for pregnant women and young mothers in crisis.

Criticism

Some crisis pregnancy centers have come under criticism for portraying themselves as "medical facilities" when they do not have professional licensing from local or state health departments. Without licenses, these centers cannot provide well-woman exams, prenatal care or medical treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, nor can they provide prescriptions or refills for contraceptives. Critics claim that the only purpose of these centers is to discourage women from choosing abortion.

Pro-choice advocates have accused crisis pregnancy centers of deliberately misinforming women on abortion and birth control. On March 30, 2006, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill called the "Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act", which aims to hold crisis pregnancy centers up to truth in advertising standards.

Funding and staffing

A center will have a director, who may be a full-time paid employee. Funding and resources are generally provided by churches, individuals and businesses that support the pro-life cause, matching gifts from employers, and grants. Some centers are members of United Way and receive designated gifts as well as a percentage of non-designated gifts. Fundraisers are often used as well. Some centers may receive federal funding; however, many centers refuse such funding, as they do not want the government to dictate what religious counseling they can or cannot provide to women in need. The Washington Post reported that over $60 million dollars of federal funds have been given to crisis pregnancy centers since 2001.

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