Local groups allege deceptive practices by faith-driven pregnancy centers

State and local groups are investigating claims of deceptive web practices by faith-driven crisis pregnancy centers.

Critics say they're posing as health clinics to lure women and hand out misleading information about abortions.

Pro-choice advocates say it's the worst kind of bait and switch and it's happening to women dealing with unplanned pregnancies walking into so-called crisis pregnancy centers in Massachusetts.

"Once they get there - even though the website suggests they might offer abortion care or they would be able to counsel someone on abortion care - where they actually just do not," said Rebecca Hart Holder, NARAL Pro-choice Massachusetts.

Last November, Watchdog group Campaign for Accountability filed a legal complaint against the Attleboro Women's Health Center for posting deceptive information on their website - after women reported being misled when seeking an abortion.

The center took down the information shortly after the complaint was filed with Attorney General Maura Healy's Office.

But NARAL Pro-choice Mass. tells Boston 25 News they've identified at least 28 crisis pregnancy centers in the state.

"It is the goal of these fake health centers to dissuade women and to give often facts about abortion that simply are not true. And we are trying to bring that to light," said Holder.

Last year, Attorney General Healy won a settlement against a digital advertising company hired to use mobile geofencing technology to target women entering reproductive health facilities.

"What we want to ensue is people's ability to access health care and women's ability to access their own health care," said Healy. "Women would go into these facilities; the doctor's office, and they'd be sitting there and start to receive messages on their phone. Targeted messages to them to not receive certain health care services."

States like Georgia have already moved to ban clinics that use deceptive practices and currently, the Hartford City Council is reviewing a proposal that would levy a $100 a day fine on them.

Boston 25 News reached out to the Attleboro Women's Health Center, which shares the same address as a Christian pro-life pregnancy resource center. Our calls and messages have not been returned.

Cox Media Group