title: Abortion misinformation from crisis pregnancy centers in North Carolina.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assessed the accuracy of medical information provided by crisis pregnancy centers in North Carolina.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a secondary data analysis of a "secret shopper survey" performed by a nonprofit organization. Reports from phone calls and visits to crisis pregnancy centers were analyzed for quality and content of medical information provided. Web sites of crisis pregnancy centers in the state were also reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two crisis pregnancy centers were contacted. Nineteen of these were visited. Fourteen centers (44%) offered that they "provide counseling on abortion and its risks." Inaccurate information provided included a link between abortion and breast cancer (16%), infertility (26%) and mental health problems (26%). Of the 36 Web sites identified, 31 (86%) provided false or misleading information, including 26 sites (72%) linking abortion to "post-abortion stress."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many crisis pregnancy centers give inaccurate medical information regarding the risks of abortion. Overstating risks stigmatizes abortion, seeks to intimidate women and is unethical.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7570, USA. amy_bryant@med.unc.edu
authors: Amy G
authors: AG
authors: Bryant
authors: Erika E
authors: EE
authors: Levi
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000193:education; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000941:ethics; D003142:Communication; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000941:ethics; D008192:Deception; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000941:ethics; D009657:North Carolina; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000941:ethics; D028701:Patient Rights; D011247:Pregnancy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D014933:Women's Rights; D000078329:Workforce