The actions to discourage the centers are part of a nationwide struggle over what policies and resources to offer women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle A. Henry has issued a consumer advisory warning “pregnant people” seeking an abortion to be sure they do not look for medical services at pregnancy resource centers that do not provide abortions.
While many facilities in Pennsylvania offer various forms of assistance, education, and support to pregnant women, not all of them provide “medical care,” the attorney general’s office notes.
“Many facilities known as crisis pregnancy centers, or pregnancy resource centers, are not staffed by licensed medical professionals and therefore cannot provide medical care,” the Nov. 24 advisory says. “In Pennsylvania, only licensed medical professionals can provide medical care such as diagnostic ultrasounds, pre-natal screening tests, or abortion services.”
The notice advises, “Pregnant people and other consumers” searching for “reproductive health care” to be prepared to ask if the services they seek are provided at the clinic they have contacted.
Pregnancy resource centers provide emotional support, non-medical ultrasound, parenting classes for single mothers and couples, adoption resources, baby clothing, diapers and supplies, guidance for a year or two after the birth of the baby, and post-abortion counseling.
The Attorney General’s office has developed an online form where consumers can report what they believe to be misleading or false information about pregnancy-related resources and services provided in Pennsylvania. Complaints may be made anonymously.
The Epoch Times contacted the Attorney General’s office to ask if there was an incident that prompted the advisory.
This is not the first time Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has targeted pregnancy resource centers.
In August, Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, defunded the nonprofit Real Alternatives, which for almost 30 years has administered the life-affirming Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program for the state, including funding for the state’s nonprofit pregnancy resource centers.
During budget planning, the line item normally planned for Real Alternatives “women’s service programs” was raised from $7.2 million to $9.2 million in the new budget.
Shortly after Mr. Shapiro signed the 2023–2024 budget on July 3, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced the state’s contract with Real Alternatives will end by Dec. 31, ending its main funding source.
By Beth Brelje
