Beware of Fake Clinics
Beware of Fake Clinics! Called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" or "Pregnancy Counseling Centers" by the anti-choice (so-called "pro-life") movement, fake clinics advertise themselves as resources for women facing unplanned pregnancies. However, these clinics are managed and financed by anti-choice organizations and generally do not have trained medical professionals on staff. While many offer free pregnancy testing, the counseling usually includes lengthy discussions about fetal development, misinformation about abortion and pressure to choose parenthood or adoption. In addition, women are often told unrealistic stories about abortion, shown medically inaccurate videos and asked hostile, intrusive questions. Because of deceptive advertising by these clinics, many women seeking abortion referrals end up there. We estimate that there are at least seventy "crisis pregnancy centers" across the state of Colorado. Some warning signs of fake clinics: • | They may be listed under "Abortion Alternatives," "Birth Control Information," "Pregnancy Help" or "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" in the Yellow Pages. | • | When you call to get information or set up an appointment, beware of places that tell you that they will only give you information if you come into their office. You have the right to receive any basic information you need over the phone. | • | The clinics may offer free pregnancy testing and counseling but may be vague about other health care services and may not have trained health care professionals on the premises. |
We did not survey any "crisis pregnancy centers" for this resource guide. Please refer to the clinics and organizations listed in this publication for unbiased information to help you make the best decision for you.
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