Chicago Pregnancy Center Asks, Why Abort When You'll Likely Miscarry Anyway?

by Roxann MtJoy · 2010-06-04 09:00:00 UTC
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When it comes to crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), I thought I had heard it all. I know, for example, that despite their name, they do not provide comprehensive reproductive care for women. I know that many do not even have a licensed medical professional on staff. I know they lie to keep women from getting abortions. I know that they will fight tooth and nail for their right to lie about their intentions. Yet, I did not know that they could stoop as low as this: My Choice Chicago, an Illinois CPC,  is telling women that they don't need abortions because they are likely to have a miscarriage anyway.

You heard me right. According to My Choice Chicago's official website,  "It's possible that you may not even need an abortion!" because " Approximately 1 in every 4 pregnancies will end naturally by miscarriage. Yes, NATURALLY!" Never before have I heard of miscarriage spoken of it such glowing, happy terms. In fact, My Choice Chicago is certain that a miscarriage would fill you with relief, knowing that your pregnancy ended without " the pain, suffering and risk of an abortion procedure." Of course, you'd still have to endure the pain, suffering, and risk of a miscarriage (not to mention the uncertainty), but My Choice Chicago doesn't want you to worry your pretty little pregnant head about that.

It is mind boggling to me that these people are trying to convince women who want to end their pregnancies that, instead of taking matters into their own hands and scheduling a safe medical procedure, they should roll the dice and actually hope for something to go wrong with the pregnancy and cause a miscarriage. Why choose the time, place, and manner around your pregnancy termination when you can just cross your fingers and wait for a miscarriage to happen at any time and any place, or even not at all?

While the My Choice Chicago website is careful to list any potential risks associated with abortion, it lists absolutely none for miscarriage. It talks about the guilt that comes with abortion and the relief that comes with miscarriage, but never the other way around. The website never once mentions what complications may arise from miscarriage or what may even lead a woman to miscarry in the first place.

My Choice Chicago is part of a larger network of CPCs called Enlightened Woman. I did some digging, and all Enlightened Woman CPCs use the same miscarriage vs. abortion tactics. That is some kind of nerve, referring to yourself as enlightened when in practice you are predatory and deceitful, if you ask me. Then again, consider the source: A Congressional investigation found that a whopping 87% of CPCs nationwide provide misleading information to their patients. Apparently, it is not just enough to demonize abortion, now they've resorted to being eerily cheery about miscarriage. Unbelievable.

Photo credit: alexandralee

Roxann MtJoy is a freelance writer who previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter. She is currently attending graduate school for theater in Mount Vernon, N.Y.
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