Toward a Crisis Pregnancy Center Client Typology: Abortion‐Seekers' Expectations and Experiences Following Implementation of Texas' Early Abortion Ban

INTRODUCTION: This study explores pregnant Texans' expectations of and experiences with crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) following implementation of Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which in September 2021 prohibited abortions in Texas after detection of embryonic cardiac activity. METHODS: We analyzed in-depth interviews with English-speaking Texans over 18 years of age who were or had recently been seeking abortion, focused on their care-seeking experiences, including with CPCs. Between October 2021 and August 2022, we recruited participants via online ads in Texas and flyers in abortion-providing facilities in seven other states. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes in CPC experiences and developed a CPC client typology. RESULTS: Of 120 participants, 36 described contact with CPCs; we categorize them into three client types, based on awareness of CPCs' anti-abortion position and expectations of CPC services. Fifteen were "deceived clients": unaware of CPCs' position, they contacted a CPC expecting abortion care or all-options counseling. Most remaining participants (n = 11) were "pragmatic clients": also unaware of CPCs' anti-abortion position, they expected only pregnancy information or support. A minority (n = 8) were "strategic clients"-aware of CPCs' anti-abortion position and therefore expecting only pregnancy information, they used CPC services strategically to determine eligibility for in-state abortion care or medication abortion. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to contacting CPCs because they were deceived or pragmatic, pregnant Texans considering abortion after SB8 drew on CPC services strategically. In an abortion-restrictive setting, pregnant people may try to use CPCs for free services that they cannot get as easily from licensed medical providers.