U.S. Pregnancy Centers Expand Healthcare Services Amid Abortion Clinic Closures

Fri Oct 31 2025 06:20:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As abortion services face significant cutbacks, U.S. pregnancy centers are diversifying and expanding their medical offerings, including STI testing and primary care, raising concerns among abortion-rights advocates.

In the wake of stricter abortion laws and clinic closures, pregnancy centers across the United States are enhancing their medical services, transitioning from purely anti-abortion stances to broader healthcare providers. With over 2,600 centers operating now, many are stepping in as primary healthcare providers for women, despite criticisms about service quality and accountability.

Pregnancy centers in the U.S. that discourage women from getting abortions have been adding more medical services — and could be poised to expand further. The expansion — ranging from testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to even providing primary medical care — has been unfolding for years and gained momentum after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago, clearing the way for states to ban abortion.

The push could gain more traction with Planned Parenthood closing some clinics and considering shuttering others due to changes in Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion provider and also offers cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, among other reproductive health services.

“We ultimately want to replace Planned Parenthood with the services we offer,” said Heather Lawless, founder and director of Reliance Center in Lewiston, Idaho. Roughly 40% of patients there seek care unrelated to pregnancy. Abortion-rights groups voice frustration over the centers’ anti-abortion messaging and lack of accountability.

As of 2024, over 2,600 anti-abortion pregnancy centers are operating in the U.S., a noticeable increase from previous years. In contrast, the number of clinics providing abortions has dwindled significantly. These pregnancy centers have received an influx of funds from state governments, with nearly 20 states, primarily Republican-led, funneling millions to support their operations. This funding comes amid broader cuts to Planned Parenthood, which may lead to a rise in healthcare deserts, necessitating increased reliance on pregnancy centers.

Advocates are concerned about the lack of comprehensive care at these centers, as they often do not provide essential services like contraception and may offer limited medical expertise. Critics argue these centers are filling the void left by closing clinics, without being held to the same standards. While centers claim to provide necessary health services, questions remain about the adequacy and transparency of care offered.