The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA), a prominent support group for crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) in the U.S., has advised member clinics to refrain from conducting prenatal ultrasounds on women suspected of having ectopic pregnancies. This recommendation follows a lawsuit against a Massachusetts CPC that allegedly misdiagnosed an ectopic pregnancy, leading to severe medical consequences for the client. NIFLA’s caution stems from the acknowledgment that ectopic pregnancies pose significant medical and legal risks, with one representative stating it’s “impossible to rule out an ectopic” without specific blood tests.
The Massachusetts lawsuit involved a client whose fallopian tube ruptured after an ultrasound at Clearway Clinic failed to diagnose the ectopic condition, resulting in an emergency surgery. After initially ruling favorably for the plaintiff, the center settled without admitting liability.
CPCs aim to persuade women to continue their pregnancies, often positioning themselves near abortion clinics; however, they typically do not offer full medical services, which has led to concerns regarding their medical practices and the potential use of misleading advertising. Many of these centers market free ultrasounds to attract clients, leveraging fears around ectopic pregnancies.
Legal representatives at the NIFLA meeting stressed the importance of directing women with concerns to licensed medical providers rather than performing ultrasounds themselves. They acknowledged ongoing criticisms about CPCs misleadingly claiming HIPAA compliance despite being staffed mainly by volunteers and lacking comprehensive health privacy protections.
Finally, NIFLA opposes legislative measures aimed at ensuring that ultrasounds are conducted by licensed professionals, citing potential adverse impacts on CPC operations and expressing intent to combat such regulations. These developments highlight the tension around the capabilities and regulations governing crisis pregnancy centers amidst rising scrutiny and legal challenges.
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