Toward a Crisis Pregnancy Center Client Typology: Abortion‐Seekers' Expectations and Experiences Following Implementation of Texas' Early Abortion Ban

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Abstract
Introduction: This study explores pregnant Texans' expectations of and experiences with crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) following implementation of Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which in September 2021 prohibited abortions in Texas after detection of embryonic cardiac activity. Methods: We analyzed in‐depth interviews with English‐speaking Texans over 18 years of age who were or had recently been seeking abortion, focused on their care‐seeking experiences, including with CPCs. Between October 2021 and August 2022, we recruited participants via online ads in Texas and flyers in abortion‐providing facilities in seven other states. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes in CPC experiences and developed a CPC client typology. Results: Of 120 participants, 36 described contact with CPCs; we categorize them into three client types, based on awareness of CPCs' anti‐abortion position and expectations of CPC services. Fifteen were “deceived clients”: unaware of CPCs' position, they contacted a CPC expecting abortion care or all‐options counseling. Most remaining participants ( n = 11) were “pragmatic clients”: also unaware of CPCs' anti‐abortion position, they expected only pregnancy information or support. A minority ( n = 8) were “strategic clients”—aware of CPCs' anti‐abortion position and therefore expecting only pregnancy information, they used CPC services strategically to determine eligibility for in‐state abortion care or medication abortion. Conclusions: In addition to contacting CPCs because they were deceived or pragmatic, pregnant Texans considering abortion after SB8 drew on CPC services strategically. In an abortion‐restrictive setting, pregnant people may try to use CPCs for free services that they cannot get as easily from licensed medical providers.

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