Tuesday, July 18, 2006
NAF Communications Department
202-667-5881
press@prochoice.org
The National Abortion Federation today commended a new study released by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) on federally funded Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs). The study found that 87 percent of the CPCs reviewed provided false or misleading information about abortion including on the link between abortion and breast cancer, effect of abortion on future fertility, and the mental health effects of abortion.
Under the Bush Administration, CPCs have received more than $30 million in federal funding. Rep. Waxman's study for the Committee on Government Reform assessed the scientific accuracy of the information federally funded CPCs provided. Female investigators, who posed as pregnant 17-year-olds seeking advice about an unintended pregnancy, telephoned CPCs that had received capacity-building funds from the Department of Health and Human Services.
"People need to know the truth about Crisis Pregnancy Centers and we commend Rep. Waxman for his investigation," said Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. "Women seeking reproductive health care information and services should not be exposed to their deceptive tactics. It is unconscionable that in many cases taxpayer dollars help fund their misinformation and intimidation."
CPCs, which greatly outnumber abortion clinics across the country, are often designed to look like legitimate reproductive health care clinics but generally do not provide women with their full reproductive health options, provide full medically accurate and unbiased information, or make referrals.
In June 2006, NAF released a comprehensive report today detailing the many ways Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) have deceived and intimidated women. The report, entitled Crisis Pregnancy Centers: An Affront to Choice, highlights numerous instances where CPCs have harassed and given false information to women who have come through their doors, leaving them feeling betrayed and misled. The report also discusses legal action taken against CPCs, their current sources of funding, and what concerned citizens can do to combat their harmful tactics. The full report can be read at www.prochoice.org
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The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers in the United States and Canada. Our mission is to ensure safe, legal, and accessible abortion care to promote health and justice for women. Our members include health care professionals at clinics, doctors' offices, and hospitals, who together care for more than half the women in both countries who choose abortion each year. For more information, visit our website at www.prochoice.org
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