Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1) Pregnancy centers are community-based, nonprofit organizations that provide free compassionate care, support, and resources to help meet the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of women, girls, couples, and families navigating pregnancy and offer life-affirming alternatives to abortion. These services can include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD/STI tests, prenatal education programs, parenting education programs, after-abortion support, lactation consultations, certified dietician and nutritionist consultations, and well-women exams. (2) Pregnancy care centers are committed to providing clients with complete and accurate information regarding their pregnancy options and the development of an unborn baby. Most pregnancy centers are affiliated with at least one of three national networks. These networks require their affiliates to adopt a Commitment of Care and Competence, setting ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. (3) In 2022 alone, 2,750 pregnancy centers across the United States provided an estimated 3,255,856 total client sessions, including in-person and virtual sessions. 97.4 percent of clients seen by pregnancy centers reported having a positive experience with pregnancy centers. (4) The total values of the material goods and services provided by pregnancy centers in 2022 was at least $367 million. 808,737 clients received material resources, which included packs of diapers and wipes, baby formula, baby clothes, new cribs, new car seats, and strollers. (5) Out of the 62,576 individuals who worked at pregnancy centers in 2022, 44,930 (7 in 10 workers) were volunteers. (6) Many pregnancy centers offer medical services. In 2022, 10,175 medical staff and volunteers provided care to clients across the Nation. Pregnancy centers performed 546,683 free ultrasounds, at an estimated total value of $136 million.