I came to a scary realization not to long ago: When I was 18 and pregnant, I went to a crisis pregnancy center. Knowing what I do now about CPCs, I realize how easy I got off and shudder to think how bad it could have gotten. Then again, I tend to be pretty strong willed, and my husband says my angry look is scary – it’s possible I glared the woman out of trying to coerce me into adoption and anti-abortion movies.

It was a Birthright clinic (which is, thankfully, no longer there), and I only went to confirm my pregnancy and get a referral to an obstetrician because it was closer to home than the local Planned Parenthood. I left in a hurry because I was sorely, sorely disappointed: the confirmation test consisted of an over-the-counter urine test (of which I’d already taken two on my own – I wanted to be really sure) and despite what I was told over the phone, the woman said they didn’t have referrals to ob/gyn’s and to pick one out of the phone book. Thanks.

Learning what I have since about crisis pregnancy centers, I’ve been continuously baffled at their gall. What on earth would make them think it was OK to out-right lie about medical and legal information and emotionally manipulate vulnerable girls that come to them for help? After reading The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler this weekend, it became clear to me: They think it’s OK because they have recent historical precedent. [Read more...]