PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is strongly encouraging consumers, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, to be well-informed when selecting reproductive health care providers and counselors.
Across the Commonwealth, numerous facilities offer a variety of assistance to pregnant individuals, including education, information, and support. However, not all these institutions can provide medical care. For instance, many crisis pregnancy centers or pregnancy resource centers lack licensed medical professionals on their staff and hence cannot deliver medical services. In Pennsylvania, only licensed medical professionals can administer medical care such as diagnostic ultrasounds, pre-natal screening tests, or abortion services.
Consumers looking for reproductive health care providers and counselors in Pennsylvania have the right to accurate information about the services offered by clinics or providers. Those seeking reproductive health services or counseling must always inquire if the services they require are available at the clinic they have contacted.
The Office of Attorney General provides an online platform for consumers to lodge complaints regarding professions and practices in the Commonwealth, which includes pregnancy services.
Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasizes that, “In Pennsylvania, consumers are entitled to truthful and accurate information about the products and services they are in the market to procure, so that they can make informed decisions that are appropriate for their particular needs. That right is never more relevant than when healthcare options and decisions are at issue, including reproductive healthcare.”
To assist consumers seeking reproductive healthcare, the Attorney General’s Office recommends asking potential providers the following questions: Are they licensed or regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health? Do they have licensed medical professionals on staff to provide medical services? What types of pregnancy-related services do they offer? Do they protect patient health information and data under HIPAA?
The Attorney General’s Office encourages consumers who believe they have received misleading or false information about pregnancy-related resources and services to submit a complaint. Complaints can be made anonymously.
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