Study: Crisis pregnancy centers give unproven ‘abortion pill reversal’ advice

TL/DR –

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that 30% of “crisis pregnancy centers” (CPCs) which are run by anti-abortion activists are promoting the “abortion pill reversal” technique, not backed by scientific evidence or clinical standards. The study, which analyzed over 470,000 webpages from 1,825 such centers, also reveals that these CPCs are operating in all 50 states in the U.S. with Texas (143), California (126), and Florida (98) having the most. The researchers argue there is a need for consumer safety measures to prevent such centers from promoting questionable medical services, and that even benign services should be provided within a health care ecosystem prioritizing safety and regulatory approvals.

JAMA Internal Medicine study reveals 30% of ‘fake clinics’ peddle unsupported ‘abortion pill reversal’

“Crisis pregnancy centers” are reportedly dispensing dubious medical advice, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. These so-called ‘health centers’ are managed by anti-abortion activists with an anti-abortion agenda.

The research reveals that 30% of these centers advocate for “abortion pill reversal,” a procedure unsupported by scientific evidence and not in line with clinical standards, as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

The treatment, which is not FDA-approved, could increase the risk of severe complications such as sepsis, warns Dr. Davey Smith, director of the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of California, San Diego.

Despite these risks, crisis pregnancy centers continue to promote the controversial treatment. The study’s findings have been made public on ChoiceWatch.org, an expansive online database of crisis pregnancy center websites where the research data was sourced from, analyzing over 470,000 webpages from 1,825 ‘fake clinic’ sites.

Crisis pregnancy centers are operational in all 50 states, with Texas, California, and Florida having the most. According to lead researcher Karan Desai, while about 90% of these centers advertise services such as adoption and pregnancy tests, it is unclear if trained professionals provide these.

Even basic services such as STI testing should be within a healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes safety and meets regulatory approvals, Desai added.

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