How to Spot a Fake Clinic (and Why Time Matters)

Some clinics that look like abortion clinics aren't. They're crisis pregnancy centers — CPCs — and their goal is to talk you out of an abortion.

By the time you figure that out, you may have lost time you can't get back. This guide helps you spot a CPC before you walk in — and what to do if you're already there.

What a CPC Is

Crisis pregnancy centers are nonprofits — usually religious — that try to convince people not to have abortions. They look like medical clinics on purpose. They often:

• Have names like "Pregnancy Help Center," "Women's Resource Center," "Pregnancy Care Clinic"
• Locate near real abortion clinics (sometimes literally next door)
• Offer "free pregnancy tests," "free ultrasounds," and "free counseling"
• Have professional-looking websites, scrubs, and waiting rooms

Most are not licensed medical clinics. Many have no doctors on staff. Most do not bill insurance, because they're not running a real medical practice.

The Two Tactics That Cost the Most Time

We've seen patients harmed by two specific CPC tactics. Both work by burning your clock until you can't access medication abortion anymore.

1. Wrong Dates from the Ultrasound

A CPC will give you an ultrasound and tell you you're further along than you actually are. The goal is to push you past the gestational limit for medication abortion (10 weeks at most clinics) so you think your only option is an in-clinic procedure — or no abortion at all.

What to do: A real ultrasound report shows the measurements (CRL — crown-rump length) and the dating math. Ask for the report in writing. If something feels off, get a second ultrasound at a real clinic. The numbers don't lie when they're transparent. (To understand how dating actually works, see our guide on why pregnancy dating differs).

2. False "You're Miscarrying" Diagnoses

This one is sneakier. A CPC may tell you that you're "starting to miscarry" and don't need any medication — "just wait it out." You wait. Days or weeks pass. The pregnancy is actually still going, and by the time you realize you were misled, you've moved out of the medication abortion window and now need a more involved procedure.

What to do: A real miscarriage diagnosis comes with a clear explanation: gestational sac measurements, no fetal heartbeat (after a certain point), declining hCG levels. If a "clinic" tells you you're miscarrying without explaining the evidence, get a second opinion from a licensed OB-GYN, urgent care, or ER right away.

How to Spot a CPC Before You Walk In

Red flags to look for online or on the phone:

• They won't say if they offer abortion. Real clinics list "abortion" or "medication abortion" clearly. CPCs use vague language like "all your options" or "pregnancy support."
• They emphasize "free" services. Real clinics charge for ultrasounds and exams (or accept insurance). "Free everything" is a flag.
• They mention adoption services or "parenting classes." A real abortion clinic doesn't.
• No clinicians or providers listed. Look for "Our Doctors" or "Our Providers" on the website. If it's all "volunteers" or "counselors," that's a flag.
• Religious affiliation. Many CPCs are openly faith-based. That doesn't make them illegal — but they're not unbiased.
• Reviews mention "tried to talk me out of it" or "showed me a video." That's a CPC.

How to Verify a Real Clinic

Before you book:

• Check if they openly list abortion services. A real provider says "we offer medication abortion" or similar. No mystery.
• Check if they're a licensed medical practice. State medical board websites list licensed clinics.
• Look up reviews. Real abortion patients leave reviews. CPCs often have reviews that mention being misled.
• Cross-check with abortion-finder tools: abortionfinder.org, ineedana.com, or Plan C Pills all maintain verified provider lists. If a clinic isn't on those, be skeptical.

What to Do If You're Already at One

If you walked into a CPC and now realize what's happening:

• You can leave. They cannot stop you.
• Don't sign anything you didn't already plan to sign.
• Don't accept their ultrasound dating as final. Get a real ultrasound at an OB-GYN or licensed clinic.
• Don't accept their "miscarriage" diagnosis without a second opinion.
• Move fast. If you're considering medication abortion, the gestational window matters. Every day you spend acting on a CPC's information is a day off the clock.

If you've lost time to a CPC and you're worried you're past the medication abortion window: contact a real telehealth provider (like Roxy) anyway. We can do an intake quickly, look at your dating, and tell you honestly where you stand. Even if you're past 10 weeks, we can help you find your next step.

How Roxy Fits In

We're a telehealth medication abortion clinic. Sliding scale $0–$145 in 14 states. We're upfront about what we offer, what we don't, and what timing matters. If you've been to a CPC and aren't sure where you actually stand on dates or options — start with a consult. We'll tell you straight.

This article is for information only. It does not replace medical advice. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.