September 26, 2019
Yelp, Inc.
140 New Monterey St.
San Francisco, CA 94105-3705
Attn: Yelp Business Development Team
Re: Business Categories “Faith Based Crisis Pregnancy Centers.”
Greetings,
It has come to our attention that Members of CAPC who have Yelp listings for their organizations have been categorized as “Faith Based Crisis Pregnancy Centers.” Where each of the 173 locations across California had an opportunity before to choose the category they should fall under, now their choice has been restricted. CAPC requests that this restriction be lifted for the following reasons:
- These organizations are diverse. 87 of the 173 locations currently under operation are licensed clinics according to CCR Title 22 Section 75001 through 75073, or are operating under the license of a physician. It is inaccurate to call these organizations “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” since it implies they have no license. A growing number of these clinics have received AAAHC Accreditation as a medical clinic, more are seeking out this coveted designation. This accreditation places them in the top 10% of medical providers across the nation. Some of these organizations are not faith based at all, but are part of a growing secular movement that is concerned about reproductive justice. There is also diversity in services offered. Many of these clinics offer STI testing of men and women, that has very little to do with pregnancy.
- The label “Crisis Pregnancy Center” does not reflect the magnitude of men and women that are helped who are not in a “Crisis Pregnancy.” These organizations assist anyone that is pregnant, have already delivered their baby, or people who are seeking resources such as housing, food assistance, court mandated education, and even completing a GED! This is why our movement abandoned the “Crisis Pregnancy Center” term in the 90’s (30 years ago). It just doesn’t represent what we do!
- Categorizing these organizations as “Faith Based” is not necessary. 20% of medical facilities across the country are “faith based.” But that is not part of their categorization. Cedars-Sinai, Mercy and Baptist Hospitals come to mind. Men and women are helped at these organizations regardless of their faith. Other organizations that are “faith based” are not required to have this as part of their categorization. Union Gospel Mission, Desert Industries, Zen relaxation centers come to mind.
- CAPC organizations that are licensed clinics should be categorized as “Medical Center” and whatever other category that organization would choose to best represent their services. Other Medical Centers are allowed to qualify what kind of Medical Center they are in the categories. The same should be allowed for CAPC organizations without prejudice.
- CAPC organizations that are not licensed should be able to self-identify their category since the diversity in services offered varies greatly. In some cases two CAPC organizations are close in proximity, but their services are different enough to warrant a different category. This difference in services offered is likely the very reason a second organization came into existence. Naturally that organization would want to showcase the difference between them and their neighbor in their category. A cookie cutter category just will not suffice.
- Yelp users deserve and will seek out a positive online content experiences. Policies that make it harder for users to figure out what is actually offered at an organization is the opposite of a positive online content experience. It is also contrary to the mission of Yelp which is to “provide the most helpful information possible about local businesses.”
CAPC is committed to advocating for our members. Every woman deserves a place where they can make unbiased reproductive decisions, and find the support and care they need to welcome their children into their community. Thank you for everything Yelp is doing to guide men and women to our organizations. The reputation, branding, and identity of our member organizations is a vital asset to our operations. I am sure this matter can be resolved for the benefit of all.
Sincerely,
Josh McClure
President