Crisis of Faith: Crisis Pregnancy Centers Are Deceiving and Manipulating Women
As an abortion-care provider in the United States, I read Clare Murphy’s article “Miss-Information” and felt a sense of validation and gratitude that the truth about the deception and shaming women face inside—and outside—of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) is being brought to people’s attention.
I respect the right to free speech and do not take issue with peaceful protesting. For the past 19 years, I have dealt with antichoice extremists harassing and shaming patients as they enter Hartford Gynecological Center. This year, a CPC strategically purchased office space in our building—just a few feet from the entrance to the clinic—with the intention of diverting abortion-minded women into the office. CPC staff put up signage using a name almost identical to ours with the purpose of confusing our scheduled patients, a practice to which they freely admit.
CPCs intentionally use misinformation to shock and frighten the most vulnerable populations—younger women, people of color, the poor and the less-educated. Their sole purpose is to convince these women to give birth, and they will stop at nothing to interfere with a woman’s family planning decisions. Listening to my patients, it’s clear that the CPC next door has a long history of promising financial support, baby clothing and furniture—but this support never materializes. The CPCs’ connection with their clients seems to dissipate once individuals reach the point in their pregnancies where abortion is no longer an option.
Deceit in the name of Christianity invalidates the argument that CPCs are coming from a place of morality. One cannot condemn another person while at the same time intentionally judging, bearing false witness and making empty promises to people who most need care and compassion.
JAMIE BEERS
Administrator, Hartford Gynecological Center
Hartford, CT