As abortion access dwindles across the U.S., taxpayer funding for anti-abortion centers (AACs) has skyrocketed, topping $1 billion since 1995. This revelation comes amidst a national debate on reproductive rights, intensified by the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

A new report by Equity Forward, a research group focused on reproductive health, details how state funding for AACs has surged, particularly since the Dobbs decision in June 2022. Since then, nearly half a billion dollars has been allocated to these centers across 22 states, with Florida, Missouri, and Texas leading the charge.

AACs, often criticized for misleading advertising and providing limited medical services, have become a focal point in the post-Roe landscape. While proponents argue they offer essential support to pregnant women, critics say they aim to dissuade abortions and spread misinformation. This debate has only grown fiercer as abortion bans and restrictions take effect across the country.

The Equity Forward report highlights several key findings:

• Staggering Sum: Over $1.13 billion in public funds have gone to AACs since 1995.
• Post-Roe Surge: $489 million allocated since June 2022 alone.
• Misuse of Funds: Nearly $200 million comes from federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds, intended for low-income families.

This news comes on the heels of other developments in the reproductive rights landscape:

• State Battles: Lawsuits challenging abortion bans continue to wind through the courts.
• Federal Action Stalled: Efforts to codify abortion rights at the federal level have faced roadblocks in Congress.
• Public Opinion Divided: Polls show a deeply divided public on the issue of abortion.

Ashley Underwood, director of Equity Forward, called the findings “alarming and enraging.” She argues that these funds could be better used to support comprehensive healthcare for women and families, rather than organizations that often delay or obstruct access to care.

The report fuels calls for greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are allocated to AACs. It also adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the role of these centers in a post-Roe America, where abortion access is increasingly limited and contested.

“AACs actively engage in tactics that not only delay, deceive, and discourage those in search of abortion care, but also act as an unnecessary barrier to pregnant people looking for legitimate medical care and support services,” Underwood said.

“These numbers shouldn’t just alarm us, they should also spark action. We need regulation of this spending and reallocation to programs that provide real support, not propaganda.”