Abstract
Background
This study assessed the accuracy of medical information provided by crisis pregnancy
centers in North Carolina.
Study Design
We performed a secondary data analysis of a “secret shopper survey” performed by a
nonprofit organization. Reports from phone calls and visits to crisis pregnancy centers
were analyzed for quality and content of medical information provided. Web sites of
crisis pregnancy centers in the state were also reviewed.
Results
Thirty-two crisis pregnancy centers were contacted. Nineteen of these were visited.
Fourteen centers (44%) offered that they “provide counseling on abortion and its risks.”
Inaccurate information provided included a link between abortion and breast cancer
(16%), infertility (26%) and mental health problems (26%). Of the 36 Web sites identified,
31 (86%) provided false or misleading information, including 26 sites (72%) linking
abortion to “post-abortion stress.”
Conclusions
Many crisis pregnancy centers give inaccurate medical information regarding the risks
of abortion. Overstating risks stigmatizes abortion, seeks to intimidate women and
is unethical.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 09, 2012
Accepted:
June 4,
2012
Received in revised form:
May 30,
2012
Received:
May 17,
2012
Footnotes
☆No funding was provided for this study.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
