New CPC Map study shows CPCs continued to proliferate post-Dobbs, becoming more medicalized and posing even greater risks

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health highlights the changing CPC landscape following the 2022 Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision using updated Crisis Pregnancy Center Map (CPC Map) data.

Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Public Health found the number of CPCs across the country increased from 2,546 in 2021 to 2,633 in 2024, a net increase of 87. Increases were largest in the South, in states that banned or severely restricted abortion post-Dobbs, and in states that fund CPCs through dedicated grant programs.

The South, where abortion is banned or restricted in 75 percent of states, had the greatest number of CPCs in 2024 (1,043) and largest overall increase (4.9 percent). The number of CPCs increased by 72 in the 21 states that banned or restricted abortion post-Dobbs versus only 15 in the 30 states, including Washington DC, that did not. The rate of increase was over three times as high in states with dedicated CPC grant programs.

“We undertook this study to see if CPCs changed locations or concentrated in states based on abortion access policies after Dobbs,” said lead author of the study and assistant professor Danielle Lambert. “We found CPCs proliferated across the country and still operate in every state. The number of CPCs increased most in states that funded them and enacted abortion bans.”

CPCs continue to advertise medical services despite lack of medical licenses

The study also found that 72 percent of CPCs offered limited medical services in 2024. Twenty-eight percent advertised testing for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, nearly 40 percent did not also advertise STI treatment and 75 percent did not also advertise HIV testing in line with medical practice standards. Additionally, 100 CPCs in 19 states advertised on-site “abortion reversal,” an unproven and unethical treatment according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“The vast majority of CPCs aren’t licensed medical clinics and don’t have licensed providers on staff, although they often use words like ‘clinic’ and ‘medical’ in their names,” said study co-author and associate professor Andrea Swartzendruber. “In 2021, we reported that 21 percent of CPCs advertised STI testing. Now it’s 28 percent. That’s a concern because many CPCs aren’t also providing treatment, which delays healthcare and could increase transmission.

“It’s also a problem since CPCs oppose condoms and frequently tell people they don’t work,” she continued. “Instead, they tell people to abstain from sex before marriage – which is not all in line with evidence-based public health or medical practices.

The researchers continue to call for increased regulation of CPCs and say that health promotion and advocacy campaigns to increase awareness about CPCs may be useful across the country, especially where the number of CPCs is increasing most.

Two invited editorials were published with the research article in the same issue of the American Journal of Public Health. Dr. John Santelli’s Editorial reiterated that CPCs violate basic public health and medical ethics and calls for a national campaign to educate the US public about the dangers of CPCs and an end of government funding for CPCs, in addition to other recommendations. The editorial by Dr. Clare Daniel emphasized the importance of the study and called for more research, stating, “Lambert et al. have provided an important starting point in what will hopefully be a significant increase in attention to CPCs by public health researchers moving forward.”

Transparency, access to information remains important

First launched in 2018, CPC Map was created Swartzendruber and Lambert, who have continued to update and analyze data through policy changes at the state and national level. CPC Map aims to empower individuals seeking reproductive healthcare, inform evidence-based policy decisions, and foster ongoing dialogue about the role and impact of CPCs nationwide.

The most recent data update was published in January 2025 and includes new interactive map features, educational tools, and state-specific resources available for download including:

• Maps
• State policy briefs
• Infographics
• Fact sheets

The updated map also includes new filters, which enable users to view CPCs by advertised services, including STI testing, STI treatment, HIV testing, limited ultrasounds and so-called “abortion pill reversal.” Users can also use the site to access scientific publications on CPCs in the U.S and media coverage of CPCs throughout the years.

“CPCs have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in government support in just the past few years,” Lambert said. “CPC Map is the only national data source that has longitudinally assessed CPCs and the most scientifically rigorous directory. We’re proud that our research has informed proposed national and statewide legislation, advocacy efforts, and legal cases up to the Supreme Court.”

As the post-Dobbs reproductive landscape continues to evolve, the latest CPC Map update serves as a critical resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public. By highlighting the growth of CPCs—particularly in states that fund them and with total abortion bans or significant restrictions—the map underscores the importance of transparent, data-driven information about these centers’ services and operations.