Whether or not local activists support abortion, some question the profit motives of abortion clinics and disagree with groups that raise money to help pay for the procedures.

"If you don't have the money, abortion might as well be illegal and we don't think anybody should be denied health care," said Karen Wynn, Centre Countians for Choice member.

The group keeps a list of people willing to donate money when members know of a woman who needs funds for an abortion.

"We act as a sort of clearinghouse because it's important to get funds," Wynn said. "It's women helping other women."

Glen Bayly, campus pastor for the Alliance Christian Fellowship, said he opposes the group's fund-raising efforts for abortions because of his pro-life stance.

"I think the people in the pro-abortion groups are by and large very sincere and really think they're helping women," Bayly said. "The problem is, they don't realize they're destroying a human life."

Centre Countians for Choice only helps women find money in cases of real need, Wynn said. For example, the group will comply if a social worker refers an abused woman to it. But the organization encourages a pregnant woman to raise at least half of the money herself.

Joe Shenosky, the Newman Catholic Student Association president, expressed skepticism about abortion clinics' motives, saying that they care more about making money.

"Their main business is selling a woman an abortion," Shenosky said. "I think abortion clinics are more concerned with making an easy $200."

But Bayly said the motivation of money is not a strong argument because doctors can make money in other ways.

An abortion typically costs about $250 plus travel costs. The closest clinic to the State College area is in Harrisburg -- about two hours away.

At Harrisburg Reproduction Services, 100 Chestnut St., an abortion performed with a local anesthetic in the first eight to 12 weeks of pregnancy costs $240, and the price increases for later stages, said an employee, who asked to remain anonymous. Harrisburg Reproduction Services performs abortions up to the 17th week since the woman's last period.

At Allentown Women's Center, 1810 Steelstone Road, a local anesthetic abortion in the first seven to 13 weeks since the last period costs $285 and a general anesthetic costs $385, a center official said.

Both centers provide options counseling for pregnant women.

Although Penn State Pro-Choice does not have a specific procedure, it also helps women seeking abortions raise the money.

Kristen Eisenbraun, Penn State Pro-Choice co-director, said she and Deborah Golden, another co-director, ask group members and community supporters to contribute to a fund for the woman.

"It's important," Eisenbraun said. "I think when a woman decides that's what she wants to do, she has every right to do that."

But Kristen Bernath, Penn State Students for Life president, disagreed with the group's efforts.

"I think it's killing a human life," Bernath said. "I can't agree with anything that has to do with killing."