Crisis Pregnancy Centers: What Supporting Women Really Means
Empowering women isn’t a procedure.
By Clarissa Schuller
Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) have recently been under scrutiny in many left-wing media sites. CPCs are non-profit organizations that offer support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Many have started to refer to CPCs as “Anti-Abortion Clinics.” In addition to the media, Pro-Abortion organizations, such as Planned Parenthood and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have released numerous articles and blogs discussing the dangers of CPCs, referring to them as “fake clinics” that spread misinformation and propaganda.
The new label for CPCs, anti-abortion clinics, is a fairly accurate title. Most CPCs are affiliated with the Pro-Life cause and would consider themselves against abortion. However, CPCs offer much more than just alternatives to abortion. CPCs are devoted to assisting women to carry their pregnancies to term. They help women seek out adoption possibilities and empower them to raise their children with ongoing assistance. CPCs also assist women with pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, parenting classes, adoption resources. They even provide free diapers, food, baby clothes, and toys for expectant mothers.
Abortion activists frequently claim CPCs do not provide comprehensive care because they do not suggest abortions, as opposed to recommending and encouraging them. Some even argue that CPCs are only dedicated to defending the life of the baby, and care exclusively about dissuading women from choosing abortions. Organizations like Planned Parenthood, the National Abortion Federation, and ACOG paint the picture that CPCs lie to patients and manipulate women to carry their pregnancies to term. However, CPCs have never claimed to offer abortions. Instead, they operate to provide women with other options and support throughout and after the pregnancy.
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Tensions between the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements raise the question: What does supporting women really mean? Crisis Pregnancy Centers believe that it means responsible, compassionate, and ongoing care. The Pro-Life movement needs CPCs and the dedication of compassionate individuals who are willing to volunteer their time and efforts to provide support and resources for women facing unwanted pregnancies.
Most women consider abortion as an extremely personal and emotional decision. These women deserve compassion and empathy as they navigate the voices of the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life movements. The Pro-Life movement offers that compassion and empathy through the work of CPCs and other organizations devoted to supporting women. Pro-lifers must keep advocating for life. They must provide ongoing support and care for women, going beyond just the decision to carry the pregnancy to term.
Volunteer. Foster. Babysit. Donate. If within your means, adopt! Support without condemnation. Find your nearest CPC and see what you can do to help. Have compassion and take action.
About the Author
Clarissa Schuller is a social media and marketing coordinator at Checkpoint News. As a junior at Grove City College, Clarissa is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. In addition to working for the Institute as a student marketing fellow, she serves on the Orientation Board, Crimson and White Society, and works in the Admissions Office.
During the summer of 2023, Clarissa was an intern at the Akron City Prosecutor’s Office, assisting prosecutors with traffic court, case details, and administrative duties. In the summer of 2024, Clarissa had an internship at The American Policy Roundtable, where she assisted with various research and voter preparation.
After graduating Grove City College, Clarissa hopes to pursue law school, or higher education to work in the sphere of public policy.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash (Cropped).