It is widely thought that all you have to do to find a reputable abortion provider is look up abortion in the yellow pages. The truth is, it is very difficult to know what type of care provider you are getting by looking in the phone book, and that many crisis pregnancy centers are counting on you starting there.

There are some questions you can ask that will help you discern a crisis pregnancy center from an abortion provider.

1. Is the provider licensed by the state it performs the procedure in?

2. Does the facility do a pregnancy test? Is there a charge to have it done?

3. Will there be either a pelvic exam or a sonogram performed to determine how far along you are in the pregnancy?

4. Do they perform abortions and what methods of abortion do they offer (surgical abortion, medical abortion)? Is the procedure performed on site?

5. Will the facility staff explain the procedure to you, including risks and options?

6. Does the facility have a working relationship with a local hospital?

7. Is there a follow-up exam and is it included in the fee?

8. Can you have someone with you?

9. Is the center part of a pro life or religious organization?

If you are offered anything that sounds like it may be too good to be true, then like everything else, it probably is. Most crisis pregnancy centers do not have the funds to pay for your housing, food, medical expenses, childcare etc. even if they say they do. Most will use these tactics to keep you from aborting the pregnancy, or to get you to a gestation age where one cannot be performed or becomes a much bigger risk.

What they may be able to help you with is finding a job, clothing, adoption resources and low cost prenatal care. Most are only in the picture for a very short time and few if any remain in your life once the pregnancy is terminated or the child is born.

If an abortion is what you are seeking, one of the best resources available to you is the National Abortion Federation.

For help or more information you can contact them via the information here:

If you have been diagnosed with a fetal anomaly, require specialized later abortion care, or are a medical professional looking for a referral, please call the NAF Hotline Referral Line: 1-877-257-0012 (no funding assistance provided on this line).

For unbiased information, options counseling, referrals, and funding assistance call 1-800-772-9100.