By Elise H. Peltier
You've probably seen the billboards on the Strip or advertisements in local newspapers, including this one. Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) pose as clinics to help troubled women who are in a state, which is in their title - a crisis.
There are estimated to be 2,593 CPC's throughout the nation, two in Lafayette: A Pregnancy Center and Clinic and The Women's Center of Lafayette.
Last summer, it was brought to the attention of Mary Anne McDougall, president of Women Organizing Women, by their affiliate group, the Feminist Majority Foundation, that these centers often pose as medical facilities, but in fact are funded by pro-life organizations in order to persuade women to make certain decisions.
According to feministcampus.org, the clinics are typically run by volunteers with no actual physician on staff, just one who serves on a board.
"They often use misinformation to intimidate women out of considering abortion as an option and provide false information about birth control and about the effectiveness of condoms for the prevention of STIs and HIV. Furthermore their tactics delay women from receiving comprehensive medical care.
"Fake clinics target college students by locating near campuses and advertising "free" pregnancy tests on campus. According to a 2008 survey by the Feminist Majority Foundation, 48 percent of responding Campus Health Centers include CPCs on their referral lists for students facing unintended pregnancies."
According to the July 2006 United States House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform-Minority Staff Special Investigations Division prepared by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, 20 of the 23 centers (87 percent) investigated provided false or misleading information about the health effects of abortion.
Why is this relevant to the students of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
Student Health Services refers these clinics. There are many women who have used these facilities (either from finding it themselves or referred) and if they are in fact giving false information from people who are not licensed professionals, this is unsafe.
After learning about the situation, McDougall started an undercover investigation to find the local facts. In late March, she attended a national conference in Washington D.C. to reveal her experience and results.
Last semester, McDougall visited A Pregnancy Center and Clinic, which is located in a building with medical offices on South College. Prior to the appointment, she was told to bring in a picture ID, social security card, proof of residence, and last few paycheck stubs. Also, when she questioned about what services they provide, the receptionist repeatedly replied with "What services do you need?"
McDougall showed up to the appointment with no identification and they saw her anyway.
Nowhere in the lobby was there a medical license or certificate showing its authenticity. However, pictures of pregnant women and children's toys were displayed everywhere.
McDougall was brought to a small counseling room where a peer counselor sat to discuss her situation. The peer counselor did make it clear that she did not have a license, but that she was there to help. The peer then delved into very personal questions regarding the father and McDougall's support network. One of the questions pushed was if McDougall would continue to stay sexually active if she chose to have an abortion.
After McDougall said she was seriously considering abortion, the peer said she could not refer her to an abortion clinic due to legal issues. McDougall then had to view a video about abortion procedures by a physician who used to perform the operation.
Next, McDougall was led to another room and the "nurse" had her administer her own pregnancy test.
"I was asking her how to do it and she refused to help me," she said. "I even had to read my own result, and sign all kinds of paperwork saying I had performed the test myself. When I asked her why she said they are not a 'lab facility.'
"The room had a big ultrasound machine in it. That to me is the scariest thing about CPCs. You have all these untrained, non-medical professionals putting on white coats and assuming the authoritative roles of counselors or ultrasound technicians.
"When my test came back negative they were quick to send me on my way, and did not advise me to seek medical care for my 'missed period' or feigned pregnancy symptoms. They provided me with literature on abstinence and a pamphlet that asserted that abortion increases your risk of breast cancer."
The debate as to whether or not breast cancer is linked to abortion is still argued. Depending on what type of site you search, depends on the answers you receive.
McDougall also visited the Student Health Services on October 23, 2008 to request a pregnancy test in order to determine if SHS refers pregnant students to either of these crisis centers.
"Overall, my experience at Student Health Services was very positive and I received excellent care," McDougall said and noted that the counselors on campus are actually licensed.
However, the nurse did inform her that they "sometimes refer pregnant students to one of the two crisis pregnancy centers."
Dr. Marelle Yongue, M.D., head physician at SHS, was more than willing to meet with McDougall to discuss the experience at the center. Although she said she would not stop referring students to the clinic, she would make sure to add the disclaimer that it's not an actual medical center and their agenda is to persuade against abortion.
This is the goal of the Feminist Majority Foundation, to expose the intent behind the center.
Whether an individual is pro-choice or pro-life, almost anyone can agree that a woman in a difficult situation is entitled to adequate care and reliable information.
Abortion has become such a controversial topic that it ends up not being talked about. There are more women who experience this than most realize.
Two stories from actual UL Lafayette students have been included to show the influence these centers have had and the decisions both women have had to live with.
The final question to ponder is how to prevent these situations from occurring. Is abstinence or safe sex education the answer? Or will there never really be an answer?
