Abstract
Background
Pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) are nonprofit organizations with a primary mission
of promoting childbirth among pregnant women. Given a new state grant program to publicly
fund PRCs, we analyzed Georgia PRC websites to describe advertised services and related
health information.
Methods
We systematically identified all accessible Georgia PRC websites available from April
to June 2016. Entire websites were obtained and coded using defined protocols.
Results
Of 64 reviewed websites, pregnancy tests and testing (98%) and options counseling
(84%) were most frequently advertised. However, 58% of sites did not provide notice
that PRCs do not provide or refer for abortion, and 53% included false or misleading
statements regarding the need to make a decision about abortion or links between abortion
and mental health problems or breast cancer. Advertised contraceptive services were
limited to counseling about natural family planning (3%) and emergency contraception
(14%). Most sites (89%) did not provide notice that PRCs do not provide or refer for
contraceptives. Two sites (3%) advertised unproven “abortion reversal” services. Approximately
63% advertised ultrasound examinations, 22% sexually transmitted infection testing,
and 5% sexually transmitted infection treatment. None promoted consistent and correct
condom use; 78% with content about condoms included statements that seemed to be designed
to undermine confidence in condom effectiveness. Approximately 84% advertised educational
programs, and 61% material resources.
Conclusions
Georgia PRC websites contain high levels of false and misleading health information;
the advertised services do not seem to align with prevailing medical guidelines. Public
funding for PRCs, an increasing national trend, should be rigorously examined. Increased
regulation may be warranted to ensure quality health information and services.
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Biography
Andrea Swartzendruber, MPH, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on women's sexual and reproductive health and adolescent health.
Biography
Anna Newton-Levinson, MPH, is a PhD Student in the Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on evaluating reproductive health programs and services and examining access to quality reproductive health services.
Biography
Ashley E. Feuchs, MPH, is currently a clinical research coordinator at the San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Health Care System with interests and experience in sexual and reproductive health, chronic pain and opioid dependency, and complementary and integrative health programming.
Biography
Ashley L. Phillips, MPH, is a research project coordinator at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health whose current work focuses on prevention of sexual risk behavior and sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, among young women.
Biography
Jennifer Hickey, MS, is a law student at Emory University School of Law. She intends to practice civil rights law with a focus on reproductive justice and recently served as Chief of Staff for a Representative of the Georgia General Assembly.
Biography
Riley J. Steiner, MPH, is a PhD Candidate in the Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. Her research concerns adolescent health and the integration of women's sexual and reproductive health.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 20, 2017
Accepted:
October 6,
2017
Received in revised form:
September 28,
2017
Received:
June 8,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc.
