Democratic senators are demanding that the Trump administration remove anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers from the federal 'Moms.gov' website, arguing the listings mislead women seeking reproductive healthcare.
Letter to HHS Secretary
In a letter sent Thursday to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, 22 senators led by Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois called for the immediate removal of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) from the online directory. The website, launched in 2023 under the Biden administration, was intended to connect expectant mothers with resources like prenatal care, nutrition assistance, and health insurance options.
The senators claim that CPCs, which often present themselves as comprehensive medical clinics, do not provide abortion services or referrals and frequently offer misleading information about reproductive health. According to the senators, including CPCs on Moms.gov violates the intent of the platform and could harm women by directing them to facilities that may not offer full reproductive care.
Number of Listed Centers
The letter notes that at least 1,200 crisis pregnancy centers are currently listed on Moms.gov, out of a total of over 2,500 CPCs nationwide. The senators argue that these centers have a history of deceptive practices, including using false medical credentials and providing inaccurate information about abortion risks.
“These facilities have a documented track record of misleading women about their reproductive options, and including them on a government website designed to help expecting mothers is deeply troubling,” the senators wrote. They urged HHS to “immediately remove all crisis pregnancy centers from Moms.gov and ensure that the site only lists facilities that provide comprehensive, evidence-based care.”
Administration Response
The White House has not yet publicly responded to the letter. However, a spokesperson for HHS told The Guardian that the department is reviewing the senators’ concerns and remains committed to providing accurate information to pregnant women. The Moms.gov website was created as part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to support maternal health, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Critics of the CPC listings argue that the inclusion of these centers undermines the site’s purpose. “Moms.gov should be a trusted resource for women, not a tool to funnel them into anti-abortion facilities,” said Senator Murray in a statement. “We cannot allow the government to be complicit in misleading women at such a critical time in their lives.”
Broader Context
The controversy comes amid ongoing battles over abortion access in the United States. Since the Dobbs decision, several states have enacted near-total abortion bans, while others have strengthened protections. Crisis pregnancy centers have proliferated in states with restrictive abortion laws, often receiving public funding. The senators’ letter also calls for an investigation into how CPCs were added to Moms.gov and whether the listings comply with federal guidelines.
Proponents of CPCs argue that they provide valuable support to women choosing to carry a pregnancy to term, offering free ultrasounds, parenting classes, and material aid. However, medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have criticized CPCs for spreading misinformation and lacking medical standards.
The letter concludes with a request for a response from HHS by July 15, 2026, detailing steps taken to address the issue. The senators have also asked for a list of all CPCs currently listed on the site and the criteria used for their inclusion.
