A State Newsroom investigation finds that crisis pregnancy centers have received at least half a billion dollars since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections in June 2022. The centers discourage women from seeking abortions and contraception, which medical experts say threatens public health. (Illustration by David Jack Browning for States Newsroom)
Stories from the States is a weekly podcast from States Newsroom that explores how government decisions impact people and communities across America through personal stories. Listen now wherever you find your podcasts.
Since the 2022 Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, state governments have been deciding how they will regulate abortion. This includes which organizations receive reproductive health funding.
Crisis pregnancy centers, religiously affiliated organizations that advertise free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds but advise women not to have abortions, are seeing an influx of taxpayer dollars. At the same time, officials are taking funds from Planned Parenthood and other health clinics across the country.
The Newsroom State was conducted 50-state investigation examining state and federal budgets, as well as fiscal records, for hundreds of crisis centers across the country.
In episode 18, you’ll hear from a reproductive rights reporter from States Newsroom Sofia Resnickwho will discuss the course of this situation and how public money is spent.
You will also hear from Dr. Kristin Lyerlyobstetrician-gynecologist from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Since 2013, Lyerly has worked in rural Minnesota, Arizona and at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Wisconsin. She will share her first-hand experiences at the center of the fight for abortion access.
At last, Evening wrap newsletter writer Danielle Gaines shares the most popular stories she sees.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Tales from the States composed by David Singer.
Crash Here for the full record.
Relevant reading from States Newsroom websites and partners:
- Taxpayer dollars are flooding pregnancy centers. No supervision occurred. (State News)
- Once again, claiming that the abortion procedure is illegally barbaric. Will it work again? (State News)
- ‘It’s not over yet’: Missouri GOP pushes penalties, fetal personhood in renewed fight over abortion (Missouri Independent)
- An appeals court struck down an Ohio law requiring the burial of post-abortion remains (Ohio Capital Journal)
Do you have any questions? An idea for an episode? Write to us at: podcast@statesnewsroom.com
This podcast is produced by State Newsrooma nonprofit news network that includes the Ohio Capital Journal and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
