CPCs in Ohio and What You Can Do
In Ohio While some states have passed laws to regulate CPCs, Ohio has not. Like most of the country, Ohio allows CPCs to continue to distribute false information and employ misleading advertisements in an attempt to eliminate a woman’s right to choose. In Ohio, CPCs are not directly funded by tax dollars. Rather, certain programs allow elective donations via the state; for example, proceeds from the purchase of Choose Life license plates go to fund CPCs. Also, some CPCs run fedrally-funded abstinence-only education programs. Thus, these centers receive indirect governmental contributions despite being completely unregulated by the state. According to OptionLine’s search page, there are seven CPCs within ten miles of the Ohio State University campus alone, and a further three within Columbus proper. One of these, the Pregnancy Decision Center, is only a few doors down from the campus area’s Planned Parenthood office. What to Do Many women who encounter CPCs do so unintentionally. The best way to combat the haze of inaccuracy and misinformation surrounding these institutions is with honest, unbiased information on pregnancy options. If you or someone you know is seeking care from a CPC, it is important to check the accuracy of stated facts. Does the center cite sources such as the Ohio Department of Health without clouding their data? If the center states that it provides abortion services, do they actually offer a list of referrals? Is the center attempting to delay access to abortion services in any way? Remember, you can always seek a second opinion. There is likely to be a regulated medical clinic or Planned Parenthood office in your neighborhood. At this juncture, the best way to keep CPCs from impinging upon a woman’s right to choose is to spread information regarding the nature of these centers. Have you or someone you know had an experience with a Crisis Pregnancy Center that you would like to share? Send stories to info@prochoiceohio.org.
| 
