FACTS ABOUT ABORTION

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that abortion is safer than giving birth.

  • The National Institutes of Health confirms that abortion does not cause cancer, infertility, or mental health issues.

  • Experts in reproductive health at the University of CA San Francisco confirm that medication abortion is safer than Tylenol or Viagra.

  • Researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation confirm that 93% of abortions occur within the first 13 weeks, and that abortions at or after 21 weeks represent only 1% of all abortions in the U.S. - the vast majority are due to fatal fetal anomalies or mortal maternal danger.

FACTS ABOUT THE COSTS OF RAISING CHILDREN

  • Forbes notes that uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth cost on average $19K in the U.S. without insurance — or with insurance as much as $3K in copays/deductibles.

  • The Economic Policy Institute found that infant care costs on average $27K per year; child care for a 4-year-old costs on average $18K in MA.

  • US News calculated that raising a child costs, on average, $400K without higher education.

  • The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that approximately six in 10 (59%) abortion patients already have children. 

  • The National Institutes of Health note that two of the most cited reasons for seeking abortion are financial instability (40%) and the need to care for children (29%).

  • The Brookings Institution notes that women denied abortions and their children are more likely to live in poverty, be unemployed, on public assistance, and be in financial trouble. 

  • The Brookings Institution notes that 95% of abortions are of unintended pregnancies. This is why increasing access to healthcare and birth control lowers abortion rates, while abortion bans and attacks on birth control result in increased abortions.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Anti-Abortion Centers, Often Referred To As Fake Clinics and Crisis Pregnancy Centers,

  • Are not medical facilities - they look the same but don’t offer abortion care or referrals. They exploit poor and under/uninsured patients with the offer of free over-the-counter pregnancy tests and unnecessary ultrasounds that serve no medical purpose. They may test for STIs, but will not treat. They will not provide birth control.

  • May not have any licensed medical staff or trained technicians. Because of this, fewer than 5% nationwide offer prenatal care or other reproductive healthcare. Only licensed medical doctors can interpret ultrasound images.

  • May mislead people about their options and can put their health at risk. They may promise options, but abortion is never one of them. Instead, they may offer religious-based parenting courses and ‘free’ help — usually of minimal value, such as a pack of diapers.

  • Will schedule multiple appointments, which limits abortion options. Medication abortions are only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks so delaying care could remove that option.

  • Are not required to follow HIPAA privacy regulations. Only medical providers are required to protect your private information. In our post-ROE and pro-ICE climate, this exposes clients to prosecution, criminalization, and possibly deportation. 

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and many states’ Attorneys General, including Massachusetts, have issued warnings about CPCs because they endanger public health by delaying access to legitimate healthcare, by spreading medical misinformation, by operating without accountability or regulatory oversight, and by targeting marginalized and vulnerable populations. 

  • For help finding safe abortion care in Massachusetts, go to Repro Equity.

  • Learn more about CPC Tactics.

The Real Truth Facts, Resources

Facts compiled by the Feminist Action Team of Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition.

Facts About Abortion:

Facts About the Costs of Raising Children:

Facts About Fake Clinics: