A mystery client study of crisis pregnancy center practices in New York State.

Objectives: To evaluate practices of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) in a state with supportive abortion policies.

Study Design: We called all New York State CPCs regarding their services using a "mystery client" protocol, utilizing checklists and thematic analysis.

Results: Of 86 CPCs, 67 (78%) encouraged in-person appointments, offering free medical services and support. Twelve centers (14%) spontaneously disclosed their non-medical status, and 36 (42%) disclosed after direct questioning. Sixty-five (76%) made inaccurate or inflammatory statements about pregnancy or abortion.

Conclusions: In a state without specific barriers to abortion and pregnancy care, CPCs claim to provide support while using inflammatory rhetoric and concealing their organizational status.