In the United States, pregnancy centers that discourage women from obtaining abortions have been increasingly expanding their medical services. This growth has accelerated following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, which allowed states to impose abortion bans. The expansion of these centers now includes testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even primary medical care.
This trend has gained traction as organizations like Planned Parenthood face clinic closures due to changes in Medicaid funding. Planned Parenthood is America’s largest abortion provider and also offers essential services like cancer screenings and reproductive health consultations. The founder of Reliance Center in Lewiston, Idaho, Heather Lawless, stated that nearly 40% of their patients seek services unrelated to pregnancy, indicating their role as primary care providers.
Meanwhile, abortion-rights advocates express concern over these centers, arguing they lack accountability and do not provide comprehensive reproductive health services. Critics highlight that many centers do not offer contraceptives and often provide ultrasounds that are not suitable for diagnosing fetal abnormalities. Additionally, there are growing concerns regarding unproven abortion-pill reversal treatments being offered at some locations.
Most pregnancy centers operate without accepting insurance, which exempts them from certain federal medical information disclosure laws. Although some centers claim to adhere to these standards, they are not subjected to the same regulations as clinics that accept Medicaid or private insurance. Jennifer McKenna, a senior adviser for Reproductive Health and Freedom Watch, raised critical questions about the clinical infrastructure these centers have to support their expanded medical services.
Traditionally known as "crisis pregnancy centers," these facilities are largely privately funded and often have religious affiliations. In recent years, especially before the Supreme Court's ruling, they have begun expanding services such as diaper banks, educational programs, and medical care. Moira Gaul from the Charlotte Lozier Institute noted that these centers are now prepared to serve their communities for the long term.
An example of this expansion can be seen at the Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Sacramento, California, which has hired family practice doctors, a radiologist, and specialists in high-risk pregnancies over the past two years. Alternatives, part of Heartbeat International, is the sole healthcare provider for many of its patients.
As of 2024, the number of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in the United States has risen to over 2,600, a net increase of 87 centers from 2023. In contrast, the Guttmacher Institute reports that only 765 clinics provided abortion services last year, a decline of more than 40 from 2023. The growth of pregnancy centers coincides with significant public funding; nearly 20 states have allocated millions to support these organizations, with Texas alone contributing $70 million in a single fiscal year.
While federal law restricts the use of taxpayer funds for most abortions, Medicaid reimbursements for various health services constituted a substantial part of Planned Parenthood's revenue. As a result of these funding changes, advocates fear the closure of Planned Parenthood clinics could create healthcare deserts, with pregnancy centers becoming the only option for women seeking medical services.
Kaitlyn Joshua, a founder of the abortion-rights group Abortion in America, voiced concerns that women seeking help at pregnancy centers after Planned Parenthood closures may not receive the comprehensive care they require, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and accurate information dissemination.
In Joplin, Missouri, Choices Medical Services has transitioned over the past two decades from a narrow anti-abortion focus to a broader sexual health mission, now providing STI treatment. The center reports that more than two-thirds of its work is not pregnancy-related. Women like Hayley Kelly have found support at Choices, recalling positive experiences while seeking services related to her pregnancy.
Despite their claims of offering valuable services, many pregnancy centers do not provide contraceptives, which are standard in public health practices. As these centers continue to expand amidst changing healthcare landscapes, challenges and concerns regarding the quality and scope of services continue to be pivotal discussions in the ongoing reproductive health debate.
