Finding out you are pregnant while in college can bring a whirlwind of emotions. You might feel scared, upset, and anxious about what to do next, which are all valid feelings.
Perhaps you are worried about how you will finish your classes, or you may be navigating a complex relationship. We want you to know that you are not alone in how you feel, and many college students have faced similar circumstances.
Gathering accurate information about your pregnancy and your options is an important first step.
Life Options Clinic is here to help you. We provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, as well as information about your options and the support and resources available to you.
Contact us to make an appointment today.
First, Confirm Your Pregnancy
You might already know that you’re pregnant from a positive pregnancy test, but confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound is an important next step.
An ultrasound can show the location of the pregnancy. This is important because around 2% of pregnancies implant outside of the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy needs urgent medical attention, as the fallopian tube is not designed to support a growing pregnancy. As an ectopic pregnancy progresses, it can cause the tube to rupture, causing severe internal bleeding.
An ultrasound can also determine whether a fetal heartbeat is detected. Research shows that 10 to 20% of known pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage. A positive pregnancy test can still occur even after a miscarriage, due to remaining levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone) in the body.
Understand Your Rights
You have the right as a college student to continue your education under Title IX. This federal law protects pregnant and parenting students at schools receiving federal funding.
Under Title IX, your rights include:
- Your professor cannot penalize you for pregnancy-related absences.
- Your school cannot force you to withdraw, change majors, or move out of campus housing because you are pregnant.
- You may request reasonable accommodations, such as flexibility with attendance or deadlines when medically necessary.
- You must be allowed to make up missed assignments or exams.
Your campus may have a Title IX coordinator who can help you if you have questions.
Get To Know Your Options at Life Options Clinic
Your pregnancy decision is yours alone. No matter what your peers, family, or partner may want, you get to decide what your future looks like for you.
Take time to learn your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion, and the considerations and risks that come with them. At Life Options Clinic, we provide a confidential and safe environment where you can ask us any questions about your pregnancy and options.
All of our pregnancy services are provided at no cost.
Schedule an appointment.
Life Options Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.