Using Consumer Protection Laws to Expose the Truth About Crisis Pregnancy Centers

"Crisis pregnancy centers" (CPCs) around the country advertise free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and counseling—frequently appearing to be neutral medical providers. Women often mistakenly believe that CPCs will provide contraception, including emergency contraception and abortions or referrals to abortion providers. In reality, most are not clinics staffed by medical personnel that offer abortion and contraception. In fact, most CPCs refuse to provide accurate information about abortion or abortion providers. Instead, they offer false ‘facts’ about the safety, availability, and consequences of abortion and birth control. Women deserve better and that is why we are excited to announce the launch this week of Expose the Truth: A Toolkit on Using State Consumer Protection Laws to Document the Deceptive Practices of Crisis Pregnancy Centers.

All states have consumer protection laws that prohibit businesses from engaging in unfair and dishonest practices. The state Attorney General or consumer protection agency enforces the law by investigating complaints filed by people who think a business has broken these laws. CPCs should follow honest advertising practices, clearly say what services they do and do not offer, and provide accurate medical information about health care options. If you or someone you know has been harmed by deceptive CPC practice, you can file a complaint.

CPCs keep women from making informed health care decisions. Time is valuable when a woman is making a decision related to a pregnancy and her reproductive health. Lies and inaccurate facts waste time that women simply cannot afford.

If you would like to like to file a complaint visit our Toolkit or contact us by phone at 1 (855) CPC-FACT or email cpcfact@nwlc.org.