If you’re reading this, you might be facing an unexpected pregnancy and trying to make sense of a difficult situation, and torn between getting an abortion and keeping your baby. No blog article will be able to make that decision for you. However, having clear, thoughtful information can help you feel more confident and supported as you consider your next steps. This post will help you feel a little more grounded as you figure out the best option for you.
When you're facing an unexpected pregnancy, there are three main paths to consider: - Parenting - Adoption - Abortion There are a few common factors that usually impact someone’s decision to continue the pregnancy or get an abortion: - Finances - Social support - Personal values - Future goals and plans - Emotional attachment - Interest in parenting The factors that are most important to one person might not matter as much to someone else. Everyone’s situation is unique. With that in mind, let’s talk about common reasons why people may or may not choose each of the three options: Parenting Reasons why people choose not to parent: - They don’t feel prepared to parent right now. - They don’t want to be a parent, ever. - They don’t want to raise a child with their current partner. - They don’t think it’s good timing to become a parent. - They don’t have enough financial stability. - They don’t have a good support system. - Parenting would stop them from pursuing other goals. Reasons why people choose to parent: - They always wanted to become a parent. - Choosing to parent aligns with their values. - They’re attracted to the joys of parenting. - They’re emotionally bonded to the baby. - Parenting gives them purpose and hope for the future. - They’re uncertain about being able to have kids later on. - They think they’ll regret aborting or adopting. Adoption Reasons why people choose not to have an adoption: - They feel connected to their baby. - They’re worried about what would happen to their baby. - They want the opportunity to be a mother. - They have concerns about the adoptive process. - They’re worried about being judged. - They think the long-term impact will be negative. - They want to keep the pregnancy a secret. Reasons why people choose to have an adoption: - They want more life experience before being responsible for a child. - They aren’t interested in raising a family. - They’re not in a healthy or long-term relationship. - They don’t think they can provide a stable, safe home for a child. - They want to give adoptive parents the chance to have a family. - They want to help the child have parents who will care for it. - They don’t want to have an abortion. Abortion Reasons why people choose not to abort: - They’re willing, or even excited, to parent. - They would rather let another couple adopt their baby. - They don’t want to go through the medical procedure. - Their partner, family, friends, counselor, or confidante are supportive. - They’re able to get financial assistance. - They have access to resources that help them pursue their other goals. - They’re honoring their religious beliefs or personal values. Reasons why people choose to abort: - They don’t want to carry the pregnancy to term. - They don’t want to give birth. - They have health concerns. - The pregnancy resulted from a traumatic event. - They want to move on with their lives relatively quickly. - They don’t want to go through an adoption. - They don’t want to parent. When you’re ready, it might help to set aside some quiet time to think about your situation - a time when you’ll have some privacy and won’t be interrupted. Have some water, a snack, a notepad, and a pen nearby. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. While it’s important to have the support of others when making a life-changing decision like this, it can also be helpful to go into those conversations with a good sense of your own situation. If you want to speak with a licensed counselor, get financial help with medical care or tuition, or find a support group with other students, call or text us at 720-386-6009. Our compassionate confidantes are ready to listen to you and help you understand all of your options any time of day or night (it’s free and completely confidential). The Avi Project provides all the resources, education, and emotional tools expectant students need to take the fear out of college pregnancy. We're the bridge between college pregnancy and the necessary resources to navigate through it, and we don’t think any student should have to go through it alone.
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Learn how to get help when you’re pregnant in college. From financial resources to emotional support, discover the options available to help you balance school and motherhood. You don’t have to face an unplanned pregnancy alone.
Help Evaluating Choices Licensed counselors and health specialists can help you understand your options and empower you to make important choices about how to move forward. Typically, they will outline the options of keeping the baby, having an adoption, or having an abortion. When making an important decision like this one, it’s important to explore all the support options available to you. If you have educational goals and a dream career, you don’t have to sacrifice them just because life took an unexpected turn. Call or text our team at 720-386-6009 to be put in touch with a compassionate advisor. Help With Academic Challenges As a pregnant student, you’re legally protected. Title IX, a federal law in the US, protects parenting and pregnant college students from sex-based discrimination. It ensures that expectant students have access to the same educational opportunities as other students, including scholarships and financial aid. Familiarizing yourself with Title IX can help when requesting accommodations leave of absence, or deadline extensions. Help With Finances It’s ok if you’re wondering how you’ll be able to afford an unplanned pregnancy in college.Fortunately, there are steps you can take, including making a budget, getting help from government organizations, learning to live frugally, and considering whether to ask your family for financial support. If asking your family for help isn’t an option, there are charitable organizations like The Avi Project that are eager to connect you with financial resources. There are also many scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs that are open just for expectant and parenting students. Help Getting Medical Care Finding a healthcare provider and understanding your health insurance options can be overwhelming when you’re already navigating a major life change. However, you’ll need medical support regardless of what else happens in the next few months. If you recently found out you’re pregnant, you should have the pregnancy confirmed by a doctor. You’ll also want to have a medical professional to contact in case you experience unexpected health changes. The Avi Project connects students in Colorado with health and wellness specialists and low cost medical care. Help With Housing If you’re living in a dorm room, you may need to find a new housing arrangement on campus. If your roommate or housing agreement doesn’t allow for a baby, if your space isn’t big enough, or if your current living situation isn’t conducive to maintaining your health, other on-campus housing may be available. In case you need to find housing off-campus, it’s ok to ask for help finding a safe, clean environment for your family. Charitable organizations like ours specialize in housing assistance for pregnant students. Help With Emotional Distress We’re proud to connect students with licensed counselors for crisis counseling and help them find support groups of other students who understand what they’re going through. It’s not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety or depression when faced with major life changes, especially when they’re unexpected. A counselor can help you work through overwhelming emotions, plan for the future, and feel ready to make difficult decisions. Help With Your Career You wanted to go to college, graduate, and start an amazing career. That doesn’t have to change. Being pregnant while in school may present certain challenges, but alternative learning options like online courses, evening classes, or part-time study can keep you moving towards your goals while balancing new responsibilities. Connecting with a mentor who can direct you to internships, networking opportunities, and job fairs in your field can help you progress toward your goals. Help in Colorado We’re here to support pregnant college students across Colorado, connecting them with a variety of resources including licensed counselors, medical care, career counselors, and adoption services. We have a dedicated team ready to support you at several Colorado campuses, including Denver, Lakewood, Golden, Fort Collins, Greeley, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Text or call us at 720-386-6009 to learn more - it’s confidential and commitment-free. |