Dorm or sorority life, sports, classes, late-night studying—but you most likely weren’t planning on being pregnant in college too. You might be told abortion is your only option if you want to finish school. You might be scared and have a lot of questions.
Let’s look at your rights as a pregnant college student. Understanding your rights and taking care of yourself are important first steps. And, remember, you are not alone.
What rights are there for women pregnant in college?
Federal regulations cover pregnant students at public schools or any other school receiving federal funds. This includes colleges or universities. These have been in place for well over 50 years. Known as “Title IX,” the regulations state that the school may not discriminate against a student from any “program or activity” based on “pregnancy.” This also includes pregnancy-related conditions, like “recovery.”
A “program or activity” in a school includes “all of the operations” of the school. For example, if you are pregnant in school, you can’t be discriminated from:
- Classes
- Extracurricular activities
- Medical leave
- Scholarships
- Admission to a school
- Employment (such as students employed by a work-study program at the school)
- Housing
If you need to take medical leave, the school is required to accommodate you under the same policy they allow medical leave for any other medical condition. If the school does not have a medical leave policy, they are required to allow a pregnant student medical leave “for as long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician.”
A case example occurred at a university in New York. The school reportedly violated Title IX regulations when they would not allow a pregnant student to make up exams or assignments due to her pregnancy. The school eventually settled, reinstated the student, and revised the school policy.
What can I do when pregnant in college?
The college has you covered, but what are you doing for yourself? Studies can be difficult enough without the added stress of pregnancy.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is be informed—about your health and your options.
You have two options when it comes to your unplanned pregnancy. Carrying to term or abortion – these require careful consideration so that you are aware of potential risks, side effects, and long-term consequences.
Start with a pregnancy test and ultrasound. The ultrasound is a crucial step and reveals information like:
- The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. The FDA specifically says the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”
- The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Abortion pill risks such as uterine rupture increase the farther along you are in your pregnancy. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
- The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.
Knowing this information from the ultrasound is very important for your health and situation, no matter what you are considering for your pregnancy.
For example, if your pregnancy is suspected to have implanted outside your uterus (known as an ectopic pregnancy) you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention.
I’m pregnant in college – where can I get help?
If you are pregnant in college, you’ve already taken a great first step by reading up on your situation. When you’re ready for the next step, make an appointment Waterleaf Women’s Center. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate a pregnancy decision while you’re in school. We offer compassionate care without judgement.
We can provide you with a pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound free of charge with no insurance required. Our licensed medical professionals can also answer any medical questions or concerns you might have. We also have specialists that can connect you to the resources you need for your specific situation.
Call or text Waterleaf confidentially at 630-360-2256 to schedule your free appointment today! Pregnant in college? We are here to help —you are not alone!
