Visiting a crisis pregnancy center is a common experience among reproductive aged women in four U.S. states, according to a new study by Maria Gallo and colleagues from The Ohio State University, U.S. (2025). [citation] The study highlights the prevalence of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) among women with a history of pregnancy or those who tested for pregnancy, and it provides insights into how these facilities operate, their potential risks, and the impact of their perception as medical clinics.
[citation] In a 2018-2020 study, nearly 9,000 women reported attending CPCs. Of these participants, 11.6% to 20.2% visited CPCs for pregnancy-related care, with annual attendance ranging from 1 in 6 women in Arizona to 1 in 11 women in New Jersey. Attendance varied by state, with notable peaks in Arizona (20.2%) and low attendance in New Jersey (11.6%). [citation] women also visited CPCs for non-pregnancy-related purposes, such as cualquier pregnancy issues. [citation]
[citation] The study found that CPCs are not licensed clinics and often appear as medical facilities to target pregnant women. These centers often provide inaccurate or misleading information about sexual and reproductive health, which could mislead pregnant patients or misinformation about medical prerequisites. [citation] Furthermore, perceptions of CPCs as medical facilities may cause some women to disregard professional medical advice, instead seeking guidance from these facilities. [citation]
[citation] Gallo and colleagues emphasize the importance of understanding CPC usage in the context of the reproductive health transition. They note that while CPCs are accessible, many women are specifically seeking out these facilities due to their roles in navigating pregnancy or having unprotected sex. [citation] The study also highlights that these facilities are not recommended for seeking formal medical care but are often perceived as medical institutions. [citation]
[citation] In summary, the study underscores the growing prevalence of crisis pregnancy centers among reproductive-aged women, particularly those with a history of pregnancy or testing for pregnancy. While these facilities offer specialized support, their perception as medical clinics may contribute to over-reliance on them or misinformation that coulddistort reproductive health information. Researchers caution women to be aware of CPC usage and to seek guidance from licensed healthcare providers. [citation]
