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Resources for Pregnant Students at University of Colorado

9/19/2025

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Here’s a quick guide to resources for pregnant college students at the University of Colorado. If you’re studying at CU Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs, it’s important to know that there are support systems in place to help you navigate your academic, emotional, and physical journey during this time. This guide will walk you through your rights as a student facing unplanned pregnancy, and the resources available to you both on and off campus.

Pregnancy Accommodations at University of Colorado
There are several supportive resources for pregnant and parenting students at the University of Colorado:

Lactation Rooms
The University of Colorado has guidelines to support pregnant and parenting students. In accordance with that policy, each campus at University of Colorado provides lactation rooms. Whether you’re at CU Boulder, CU Denver, or UCCS, you’ll have access to private rooms to pump or breastfeed. If you’re having trouble finding the lactation rooms, contact the Office of Equity for more information. Room locations may also be listed on the CU website.

Childcare
University of Colorado offers childcare programs for infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children at the Children’s Center at CU Boulder. Students are invited to fill out an interest form to learn more about enrollment for their children. Programs like the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) can help students cover the cost of childcare while attending school.

Mental Health & Counseling
CU Boulder offers a range of mental health services to students, including counseling, support groups, and more. Earlier in 2025, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) began offering a new Postpartum Support Group to graduate students. Contact CAPS to learn more about upcoming events such as workshops and screenings.

Title IX, Accommodations & Legal Rights

CU Boulder ensures pregnant students will have the same support as others with medical conditions, following Title IX guidelines.

“CU Boulder's policy is to treat students, faculty, and staff affected by a pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions in the same manner as other individuals unable to work or participate in their education because of their physical condition.”

Students may submit pregnancy accommodation forms with a medical information request from their healthcare practitioner.

Unplanned Pregnancy Support
Our team at The Avi Project is dedicated to helping students experiencing unexpected pregnancy continue to pursue their educational goals. Call or text us any time, any day, at 720-386-6009 to learn more about…
  • Emotional and Physical Support
  • Financial Assistance
  • Career Counseling
  • Material Resources
If you just found out you’re pregnant and are unsure what to do next, we provide pregnant college students another option when making the difficult decision to abort, parent, or choose adoption. ​The Avi Project provides all the resources, education, and emotional tools expectant students need to take the fear out of college pregnancy. 

Next Steps
Reach out to our team at The Avi Project to speak with a compassionate confidante and get the material resources you need to pursue your education with peace of mind. Consider requesting pregnancy accommodations, which may include excused absences, extended deadlines, snack or bathroom breaks, or other changes that help make education accessible in spite of pregnancy-related challenges.

Note: Please contact CU directly to obtain up-to-date policy information. The Avi Project is not affiliated with CU.

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Resources for Pregnant Students at Colorado Christian University

8/19/2025

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Here’s a quick starter guide to resources for pregnant college students at Colorado Christian University. If you’re studying on-campus at CCU in Lakewood, Colorado, this is what you need to know about your rights when facing an unplanned pregnancy. There are many tools available to make your time at college less stressful!

Pregnancy Accommodations at CCU
Pregnancy accommodations help expectant students access educational programs. If doctor appointments, limited mobility, or other pregnancy-related challenges are making it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for some flexibility. Accommodations may include:
  • Excused absences
  • Rescheduling tests
  • Extended deadlines
  • Schedule changes
  • Making up missed assignments
  • Snacks & bathroom breaks
  • Online classes

Since CCU is composed of two colleges plus an academy, the process for requesting accommodations for pregnancy depends on the student’s enrollment:
  • If you’re enrolled at the College of Undergraduate Studies, contact the Student Success Services Coordinator at the Life Directions Center.
  • If you’re enrolled at the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Online, contact the Disability and Accessibility Services office.
  • If you’re enrolled at the Academy, contact the Online Dual Enrollment Manager.

Students requesting accommodations are required to complete the request process to receive a Certificate of Accommodations. You may be required to provide documentation from your doctor substantiating your need for accommodation. It’s important to know that the only way to receive a guarantee of accommodations is to complete this process.

Title IX at CCU
Colorado Christian University receives federal funding, and is thereby obligated to apply Title IX policies. For pregnant students, this means that sex-based discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy or parental status, is prohibited. Details on CCU’s Title IX policies are available at ccu.edu.

Good To Know: Religious Exemptions
Though it’s unknown whether CCU has requested or received any exemptions, you should be aware that some religiously affiliated institutions qualify for exemptions to Title IX policies if they conflict with faith-based tenets. 

Good To Ask: Lactation Rooms & More
Publicly available information does not indicate that CCU provides on-campus lactation rooms, childcare services, parental/family housing, or other resources commonly found at larger public universities. It may be worthwhile to ask the Title IX office if these services are available.

Filling In The Blanks
Our team at The Avi Project is dedicated to helping students experiencing unexpected pregnancy continue to pursue their educational goals. Call or text us any time, any day, at 720-386-6009 to learn more about…
  • Emotional and Physical Support
  • Financial Assistance
  • Career Counseling
  • Material Resources

If you just found out you’re pregnant and are unsure what to do next, we provide pregnant college students another option when making the difficult decision to abort, parent, or choose adoption. ​The Avi Project provides all the resources, education, and emotional tools expectant students need to take the fear out of college pregnancy. 

Next Steps
Contact the appropriate coordinator, based on your enrollment, to inquire about pregnancy accommodations. Request details about what accommodations are available and begin the application process. 

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t feel confident about how to move forward, reach out to our team at The Avi Project to learn more about the emotional, financial, and material support available to you during this new chapter of your life. We are dedicated to helping CCU students in Lakewood, CO continue their education and pursue fulfilling careers.

Note: Please contact CCU directly to obtain up-to-date policy information. The Avi Project is not affiliated with CCU.

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Jobs For When You're Pregnant In College

6/23/2025

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Looking for an entry-level job with low physical demands or flexible hours? We’re here to help. As a college student navigating pregnancy, you might feel nervous about finding a job that suits your needs. If you’re worried about working around possible fatigue, morning sickness, or doctor appointments, this guide will help you get started with your job search.

Here’s what to look for in a job if you’re pregnant. Keep an eye out for flexible scheduling, remote or hybrid work options, limited travel requirements, limited physical demands, clear maternity policies, a responsive HR team, and benefits like health insurance, short-term disability, and paid parental leave. Keep reading to learn more about the best jobs for pregnant women who are attending college classes.

Remote Jobs
Work-from-home jobs can be a great option for students with crazy schedules in need of work-life balance. Working from home may also offer more flexibility to accommodate unexpected pregnancy symptoms.
  • Virtual Assistant: Provides remote administrative support such as scheduling, email management, and task coordination for individuals or businesses.
  • Data Entry: Inputs, updates, and maintains information in digital systems or databases with a focus on accuracy and speed.
  • Customer Service: Assists customers by responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and providing product or service information, often via phone, chat, or email.
  • Online Tutoring: Offers academic support or subject-specific instruction to students over video calls or messaging platforms.

Gig Economy Jobs
Gig jobs are short-term engagements where you’re hired to complete specific tasks or projects. Many pregnant students love gig jobs because they have so much control over their schedule, environment, and physical demands. Unfortunately, most gig jobs do not provide benefits like health insurance.
  • Freelance Writing or Editing: Creates or refines written content for clients such as blogs, articles, or marketing materials on a flexible, project-based schedule.
  • Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Provides care, companionship, and exercise for pets while their owners are away, either in-home or on scheduled walks.
  • Reselling: Sells handmade, vintage, or secondhand items online by sourcing, listing, and shipping products through e-commerce platforms.
  • Food Delivery: Picks up and delivers meals or groceries to customers using a personal vehicle or bike, often on a self-chosen schedule.
  • Babysitting: Cares for children in the absence of their parents, ensuring safety, basic needs, and entertainment during agreed-upon hours.
  • Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart: Delivers food or groceries to customers using your own vehicle or bike, with the ability to choose when and how long you work.

Ways To Make Money Online
Working online can be a good way to supplement income from a part-time job, especially if you find yourself with a couple spare hours here and there outside of typical 9 to 5 work hours.
  • Transcription: Earns money by listening to audio recordings and accurately typing them into text format.
  • Taking Surveys: Provides feedback or opinions through online questionnaires in exchange for small payments or gift cards.
  • App Tester / Website Tester: Gets paid to test the usability and functionality of websites or mobile apps while providing feedback on the user experience.
  • Microtasker: Completes simple, repetitive online tasks—like categorizing images or verifying data—for small payments per task.
  • Captioning / Subtitling: Adds accurate text to videos by syncing spoken words and sounds with timed captions or subtitles.
  • AI Training / Content Tagging: Labels images, text, or audio to help train artificial intelligence systems, often through structured, remote tasks.
  • Résumé / Canva Template Seller: Designs and sells downloadable templates for résumés, planners, or branding kits, often through platforms like Etsy.
  • Freelance Services for Social Media Management, Blog Writing, or Basic Design: Offers creative or marketing services to individuals or businesses on a contract basis, often through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
  • Print on Demand – Digital Art, Stickers, Planners, T-Shirts: Sells custom-designed products that are printed and shipped by third-party services when ordered, requiring no inventory.

Jobs On Campus
Looking for a work-study position or a job that doesn’t require extra traveling after class? An on-campus job might be a good fit. Typically colleges have several desk or administrative positions that don’t require long hours on your feet or heavy-lifting.
  • Library Assistant: Helps organize, shelve, and check out materials while assisting patrons with library services.
  • Library Monitor: Maintains a quiet study environment and enforces library policies.
  • Research Assistant: Supports faculty or academic staff by gathering data, analyzing information, and preparing reports.
  • Desk Jobs (Residence Halls, Admin Offices): Provides customer service, answers phones, and performs basic administrative tasks.
  • Teaching Assistant: Assists instructors with grading, classroom support, and tutoring students.
  • Test Proctor: Supervises test-takers to ensure academic integrity and compliance with testing procedures.
  • Ticket Booth Attendant: Sells or distributes tickets and provides event-related information to customers.
  • Archivist Assistant/Records Clerk: Organizes, files, and maintains access to historical or official documents.
  • Building Monitor: Oversees facility access, enforces rules, and reports maintenance or safety issues.
  • File Clerk: Sorts, organizes, and retrieves documents for office staff as needed.
  • Records Technician: Maintains and updates databases or paper records with accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Registrar’s Office Data Clerk: Enters and updates student records and supports academic services.
  • Transit Information Desk Attendant: Provides schedules, route details, and travel advice to commuters.
  • Mailroom Assistant: Sorts, distributes, and processes incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Gym Equipment Attendant: Maintains cleanliness and functionality of workout areas and assists gym users.
  • ID Card Issuer at Government/Corporate Sites: Verifies identities and produces official ID badges for staff or visitors.

In-Person Jobs
Need a little more social interaction than a virtual job, but not looking for a position on-campus? There are more in-person options out there! Community centers, hotels, museums, salons, and other retail locations always need help.
  • Receptionist: Greets visitors, answers phones, and manages appointments or front-desk operations.
  • Cashier: Handles customer purchases, processes payments, and provides receipts and change.
  • Bookstore Clerk: Assists customers, stocks shelves, and manages book sales and inventory.
  • Salon or Spa Assistant: Supports stylists or technicians by cleaning, organizing tools, and scheduling clients.
  • Thrift Store/Boutique Associate: Sorts and prices merchandise, assists shoppers, and maintains store displays.
  • Retail Associate: Helps customers, stocks products, and ensures a clean, organized sales floor.
  • Museum or Gallery Attendant: Greets visitors, provides information, and ensures the security of exhibits.
  • Front Desk Assistant at a Small Hotel: Manages guest check-ins/outs, handles reservations, and responds to inquiries.
  • Theater/Concert Hall Usher: Guides guests to seats, distributes programs, and assists with crowd management.
  • Community Center Receptionist: Greets visitors, answers questions, and assists with scheduling and events.

Whether you’re looking for remote work, a social in-person job, or an easy-going work-study position on campus, this list will get you started in your search. Gig jobs, freelancing, and administrative positions can be a great fit for a busy college student with a growing family. Take the first step today by updating your resume and bookmarking a few job descriptions. Balancing work, school, and family isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable!

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My Boyfriend Wants Me To Have An Abortion

5/30/2025

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You’re having an unplanned pregnancy, and now your boyfriend wants you to get an abortion… but you’re not sure you want to. If you get an abortion, will you regret it? If you don’t get an abortion, will he leave? Will you resent him either way? If this is you right now, you’re understandably facing a whirlwind of doubt, fear, and some very tough questions. Let’s talk about what you can do in a situation like this.

If You’re Hesitating To Get An Abortion
There are many different reasons why you might hesitate to get an abortion, regardless of whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life.

If you’re pro-choice, it’s easy to feel like you’re not accurately representing your beliefs if you choose not to get an abortion. But remember, pro-choice includes the choice to keep a pregnancy, even if it’s unplanned. Having an abortion you don’t want or aren’t sure about, isn’t pro-choice.

If you’re pro-life, you might already know whether you want an abortion or not, but still find it just as hard to make that decision when your partner doesn’t agree with it.

Understanding His Point Of View
Sit down with your partner and have a conversation where you’ll each sincerely attempt to understand each other. 

Find out why he wants you to have an abortion. What are his reasons? They might include fear of responsibility, financial concerns, or simple unpreparedness - this was, after all, unplanned.

Explain why you’re hesitant to have an abortion, and why you might not agree with what he wants. You can understand someone’s perspective, but maintain a different viewpoint. You can understand their reasoning, their emotions, their background, their values, but still… have your own. You might say, “I see where you're coming from, and I understand why you'd feel that way. I just don't see it the same way." You can empathize with someone and still make a different choice.

Remember, understanding why he wants you to have an abortion doesn’t mean you owe it to him to get one. Empathy doesn’t equal obligation. If you feel like you owe it to him to have an abortion that you don’t want, consider whether it could stem from a deeper belief that kindness means compliance, from fear of being alone, from a long-standing pattern of putting others’ needs ahead of your own, or just from a strong desire to avoid disappointing him.

Somewhere in this conversation, you should discuss the different abortion options and what the procedures are like. As with any medical procedure, you should know what will happen before, during, and after the procedure, as well as any long and short-term risks. Your partner should understand what they’re asking you to do, and you need to be able to give informed consent if you’re considering having the procedure.

Talk about all your options - abortion, adoption, and parenting. It’s ok if some options are ruled out very quickly, but you should both have an understanding of why.

Be mindful of any signs that he may be pressuring you. It’s one thing for him to communicate his opinion, it’s another thing to try to coerce or manipulate you. If you recognize signs of coercion, it might not be productive or healthy to continue the conversation at that time.

What Pressure Looks Like
How can you tell whether someone’s just sharing their point of view, or trying to pressure you? Here are some signs to look for.
  • Emotional 
    • Emotional pressure is usually used to make you feel responsible for someone else’s emotional state or future. It can sound like:
    • If you keep the baby, you’re ruining my life.
    • If you loved me, you would get an abortion.
    • How can you do this to me after everything we’ve been through?
  • Verbal
    • Verbal pressure demeans, dismisses, or badgers you to get you to change your mind. It can sound like:
    • You’re not thinking straight - just do it and thank me later.
    • Don’t be stupid. This is the only smart option.
    • Everyone else in your situation would get an abortion. Why can’t you see that?
  • Coercive
    • Coercive pressure relies on fear or consequences. It can sound like: 
    • If you don’t get an abortion, I’m leaving and never looking back.
    • If you keep the baby, you’ll have to find somewhere else to live.
    • I’ll make sure you regret it if you don’t do what I say.
How To Respond To Pressure
If you feel pressured to get an abortion that you’re uncertain about, it can be helpful to use statements that show empathy without compromising your own beliefs. Here are some phrases you might be able to use, if it feels right in your situation.
  • “I need space to figure out what I want before I decide.”
  • “I understand your fears, but I need you to understand mine too.”
  • “I see where you're coming from, and part of me feels torn because I care. But I also know I’d be saying yes for the wrong reasons — and I don’t want to do that to either of us.”
  • “I understand that this would make things easier for you, and I really do get why you feel that way. But this is my body, and I’m not comfortable with the procedure. I need that to be respected.”
  • “I’ve thought a lot about this, and while I know it would relieve some pressure on you, I’m not okay with going through with it. I’m saying no.”
It could help to sit down with an objective third party, such as a counselor, if you’re struggling to have these conversations with your partner. If you feel that you’re being pressured to have an abortion, call us today at 720-386-6009 for help and support. We specialize in helping pregnant college students navigate unexpected pregnancies, and it’s completely free and confidential.

The Future Of Your Relationship
Things might not be as bad as they seem. His first reaction isn’t his final reaction. This is tough for both of you, and he might need some time to process the news.

Legally, women usually have the right to decide whether they have an abortion or not. The father doesn’t typically have a legal right to make the decision. If you’re being pressured to get an abortion, that coercion can make it feel like abortion is your only choice - but it’s not. Just because they don’t like your other choice, doesn’t mean you don’t still get to choose.

If you’re worrying about what the future of your relationship might look like, it could go a few directions, including:

If you don’t have an abortion,
  • He could step up in unexpected ways and surprise himself and you
  • He could leave you
  • He could be overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenthood
  • Your relationship will change no matter what
If you do have an abortion,
  • You could spend the rest of your life resenting him
  • You could stay together
  • You could leave him
  • Your relationship will change no matter what
What’s Next?
Have an honest conversation with your boyfriend. Consider getting counseling - call our team any time of night or day at 720-386-6009. Turn to your support system. See a doctor to make sure you’re healthy. Get an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. If your boyfriend wants you to get an abortion but you’re unsure, hopefully this guide helps you navigate your emotions, find clarity, and stand up for your choice.

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Torn Between Having An Abortion And Keeping My Baby

4/28/2025

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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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Help for Pregnant College Students

4/1/2025

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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.
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Will I Regret Having An Abortion?

3/10/2025

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Women facing unexpected pregnancy often worry they’ll regret the way they handled this difficult situation. It can seem like there are no good options, and any choice could destroy your future, ruin your relationships, or both. Students experiencing unexpected pregnancy frequently worry about how their choice will impact their college plans and career path. There is an enormous amount of pressure to make the right choice, but it can feel impossible to know what that is.

Evaluating all your options - keeping the baby, having an abortion, or going through with adoption - can be overwhelming. Today, we’re going to discuss abortion, and one of the most common questions about it - “Will I regret having an abortion?” It’s a reasonable question to ask before any life-changing procedure, including this one. The good news is that there are more and more studies on the long-term impact of abortion. The bad news is that they’re somewhat conflicting.

One study found that 84% of women mostly had positive feelings about their abortion several years afterward. Another study found that 53-63% of women experienced guilt, 41-66% experienced regret, 64-74% sadness, and 31-43% anger. Yet another study found that, five years post-abortion, more than 95% of respondents said that abortion was the right decision for them. But then another study reported that 60% of women who had abortions would have preferred not to. Some people have questioned whether these studies were designed correctly and whether there could have been biases at play, but regardless, the conflicting results can be confusing.

So, for women who do regret having an abortion - why do they regret it? What factors can increase your chances of experiencing regret? Some women have an abortion, want children, but then experience infertility later in life and are unable to have kids. Some women were pressured or coerced into having an abortion that they didn’t want, or felt obligated to have an abortion for their partner or their family. Some women discover that the medical procedure is not what they expected. They regret having an abortion because if they had known what the medical procedure was like, they wouldn’t have wanted it. Some women regret their abortion because they wonder who their child would have been, and what life would be like now with them in it. Some women wanted to keep their baby, but felt like external factors made caring for a child impossible. There are a range of other feelings that can accompany regret, including loss, guilt, shame, and even depression, creating a complicated emotional landscape. 

While an unclear percentage of women regret their abortion, those who do regret it often report that it’s the thing they regret most in life and it’s continued to bother them for decades after the procedure. Abortion regret, when it does happen, is very personal and multi-faceted. Hopefully in the future, we will develop a better understanding of how abortion impacts women and their mental health in the long-term.

Abortion Regret FAQs

How long does abortion grief last?
This varies widely. Some women do not report experiencing grief after their abortions. Some women find that abortion grief lasts a few months, and fades with time. Some women don’t experience grief about their abortion until years after it happened. And other women regret their abortions almost immediately, and grieve for decades afterward.

What percentage of people regret having an abortion?
Studies report highly variable rates of abortion regret and mental health struggles following abortion.

Is it normal to regret an abortion?
Any life event where you experience loss or make a difficult and life-changing decision has the potential to trigger regret. 

Is having an abortion traumatic?
There are several different ways to have an abortion, and some women find the procedures more traumatic than others. It’s important to learn about what abortion involves to best judge whether it would be a traumatic experience for you.

If you’re a pregnant student facing unplanned pregnancy, and you’re not sure how to move forward, the Avi Project specializes in supporting unexpectedly pregnant college students. We want every student to feel truly free to make the best choice for them, without worrying that they’re sacrificing their education or career. By providing resources like tuition assistance, housing, medical care, access to licensed counselors, career counseling, and more, we empower students to chase their dreams, and ensure they have the support they need to pursue their education.

Contact us any time, any day, at 720-386-6009. If you don’t like talking on the phone, texting is just fine. It’s 100% confidential and commitment-free.

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How to Fill Out The FAFSA When You’re Pregnant

2/5/2025

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Expecting a baby while in college? Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be stressful for anyone, but it can feel especially overwhelming when you’re pregnant. Balancing financial stress, unexpected pregnancy, and the demands of college is a lot to handle. If you’re wondering how big life changes like these impact your eligibility for federal financial aid, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll walk through common questions about the FAFSA, ensuring you get the support you need to succeed in school with a growing family.

Is my unborn baby included in my household size on my FAFSA?
The FAFSA was overhauled for the 2024-2025 school year. In the past, students were able to claim unborn children on their FAFSA under certain conditions. However, this has changed. If you’re pregnant, your baby should not be included in your household size. Unborn children cannot be claimed as dependents.

Do people with larger families get more financial aid?
In the past, larger families were likely to receive more college financial aid, but with the new changes, family size has less of an impact. However, once you have a child, you are classified as an independent student which can make you eligible for more financial aid.

What is an independent student vs a dependent student?
According to studentaid.gov, an independent student is at least one of these:
  • A minimum of 24 years old
  • Married
  • A graduate or professional student
  • A veteran
  • A member of the armed forces
  • An orphan
  • A ward of the court
  • Someone with legal dependents other than a spouse
  • An emancipated minor
  • Someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
A dependent student is “A student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student.” The FAFSA will ask you a series of questions to determine your dependency status.

Can I change my family size once my baby is born?
You can change your family size when you fill out the FAFSA for the next school year, after the baby is born. If you would like to update your FAFSA sooner, contact your financial aid office and ask them if they will help you update your information. Once your baby arrives, you may be able to update your household size before the next school year by making an appointment with a financial aid counselor. Be prepared to share documentation of your child’s birth, such as a birth certificate or social security card, and to fill out paperwork. Some students find it more effective to make an appointment with the head of the financial aid office.

Should I wait to fill out the FAFSA until my baby is born?
If your baby is due after the classes begin, but before the FAFSA is due, you might wonder if you should wait to submit your FAFSA so you can claim your child as a dependent. Generally, students who submit the FAFSA earlier receive more financial aid because some aid is given on a first-come first-served basis. However, if claiming your child as a dependent would significantly change your eligibility for financial aid based on your personal situation, it may be worth it to wait. Make sure you speak with a financial aid advisor to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

Do medical expenses impact my FAFSA?
Medical expenses can increase the amount of federal financial aid you receive, especially if the medical expenses are very high or not covered by insurance. These are considered “special circumstances,” and may qualify you for an adjustment to your federal aid. Reach out to your financial aid office for more information about what documents are required to file a special circumstance.

Should I update my FAFSA if I get married?
Married students are classified as independent, and may be eligible for more financial aid. However, if your spouse has a high income, that may reduce the amount of financial aid you receive. Generally, the FAFSA is meant to reflect your life situation at the time it’s initially submitted. However, if you think updating your marriage status on your FAFSA before the next school year would help you financially, reach out to your financial aid office to find out if you can update it before then.

What if I need to make other changes to my FAFSA application?
Some information can be updated online by logging into your account at studentaid.gov. If you have any difficulties, reach out to your financial aid office.

Where do I fill out the FAFSA?
Visit studentaid.gov to create an account and fill out the form online.

If you have any other questions about filling out the FAFSA, it’s best to speak with an advisor at your school's office. Your financial aid office will be able to provide the most updated information about properly filling out the FAFSA, as well as answer questions about your unique financial situation. If your federal financial aid is not enough to get you through the school year with a new baby on the way, please call or text our team at 720-386-6009 to learn more about the financial support we provide to pregnant students, which include ​​medical care, tuition assistance, financial assistance, housing, and more. We’re excited to help you chase your educational goals while raising your family.

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How to Afford An Unplanned Pregnancy In College

1/28/2025

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Facing an unexpected pregnancy during college can feel overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. How do you afford a baby in college, especially when your pregnancy is unexpected? How do you juggle the costs of textbooks, tuition, and dorms with the costs of prenatal care, maternity clothes, and diapers? What do you do if you’re pregnant and simply can’t provide for a child? Let’s look at some of your financial options when going through an unplanned pregnancy on a budget. While it may seem daunting, there are resources and strategies that can help.

Start where you are! Get a clear picture of your current finances.
How much do you have saved? What is your monthly income? What are your regular expenses? Do you have any debt? These are all questions you could easily answer when putting together a budget. If you don’t have a budget already - don’t worry, it’s simpler to make one than you think.

To get started, follow these steps:
  1. Add up all your savings.
  2. Add up your income for the month.
  3. List your current expenses.
  4. Sort your expenses into needs vs. wants.
  5. Determine which “wants” to cut, and consider whether you’re able to reduce the cost of any needs.
  6. Subtract your expenses from your income.
  7. Estimate monthly pregnancy-related expenses. Subtract those from your income as well.
  8. Make a plan for how to use any money that’s left - saving, investing, paying off debt, covering specific expenses, etc. If you don’t have any money left after covering your expenses, don’t panic yet!
  9. Track your income and expenses as you go. Some people use budgeting apps, some prefer spreadsheets, and others just use an old-fashioned notebook. Use whatever is easiest for you! It doesn’t need to be complicated.
  10. Make adjustments to your budgeting method as you learn. Don’t stress yourself out about making the perfect budget on the first try. As you practice budgeting, you’ll learn more about what works for you. In the future, you might look into common budgeting approaches, like the 50-30-20 rule or zero-based budgeting. Just remember to review your budget on a regular basis and make adjustments as you go.
After going through this process, you should have a better understanding of your current financial situation.

Factor in an unplanned pregnancy with a pregnancy budget.
Next, factor pregnancy into your budget. It might be intimidating, but this is an important next step! Breaking pregnancy costs down into categories can help make this process more manageable, and help you feel more in control. Here are a few categories to consider when forecasting pregnancy costs:
  • Medical expenses. This would include things like prenatal care, hospital costs, insurance premiums or deductibles, medications, and vitamins.
  • Maternity items. Clothing, comfort aids, and personal care fall into this category.
  • Baby essentials. Furniture, baby gear, clothes, diapers, wipes, feeding supplies (this will depend on whether you’re breastfeeding or not), and bathing supplies.
  • Childcare and support. Includes daycare and parenting classes.
  • Miscellaneous costs. Transportation, food, emergencies, postpartum care.
  • Education and preparation. Books and hospital classes.
  • Long-term adjustments. Housing and utilities.
Researching the average costs for each category will get you started. The numbers do not have to be perfect or exact, but just enough to give you an idea of what to expect. If this feels impossible to navigate, call or text our team at 720-386-6009 to find out more about working with an advisor. If you’ve put together your pregnancy budget and covering all these expenses feels daunting, don’t worry, next we’ll talk about where to get financial assistance.

Consider whether to ask parents or family for financial support.
Your parents might be much more accepting and encouraging in this difficult time than you would expect. After all, they love you and want what’s best for you. On the other hand, you may not have parents you feel comfortable being this vulnerable with. It takes a leap of faith to ask your parents for financial help when you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy. You might not want to face their judgement or anger. That’s alright, you still have options.
If you’re not sure whether to ask your parents for help or not, here are a few situations where asking your parents for help might not be the best first step to financial security:
  • Your parents are under extreme stress.
  • Your parents are financially limited.
  • They’ve already set strict financial boundaries.
  • They’re emotionally overwhelmed by the news of the pregnancy and need time to let their feelings settle.
  • You’re not ready to share a plan for your financial future.
  • There are other support systems you could explore first.
If you do want to ask your parents for help, you might consider ways to demonstrate your responsibility and explain how you’ve exhausted your other options.

Get help from charitable and government organizations.
There are many charitable organizations that will help pregnant students take care of themselves, their babies, and their educational goals. The Avi Project helps students afford medical care, tuition, and housing.  Food, clothing, care packages, and other material resources are available as well. Financial assistance is a key part of our proven program designed just for expectant college students. Call or text 720-386-6009 to learn more (it’s confidential and commitment-free). For a detailed list of government programs, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities, check out our other blog post on Scholarships, Tuition Assistance & Financial Aid for Pregnant Students.

Live frugally and stretch your dollar.
There’s a lot of great advice out there about how to live frugally and make the most of every dollar, but here are a few tips to get you started:
  • Take advantage of free meal plans if they’re available at your college.
  • Use grocery store apps to get extra coupons and discounts.
  • Do meal prep at home instead of eating out.
  • For fun, check out free museum days or free passes at the local library.
  • Prioritize essential expenses and reduce unnecessary spending.
  • Buy second-hand from online marketplaces or thrift stores.
  • Join buy-nothing groups to swap or borrow items from neighbors.
  • Get a roommate or find another shared housing arrangement.
  • Find out which textbooks you have to buy, and which you can borrow from the library.
  • Buy textbooks a couple days after class starts to find discounts.
  • Learn how to do laundry in the sink or with a portable wash bag.

It can take time to adopt a frugal mindset and build new habits, so focus on making one new lifestyle change each week if it feels overwhelming. Celebrate small wins along the way. Even small changes can have a big impact on your savings, and every adjustment is a step in the right direction.

While you work through this process, don’t be scared to ask for help! Financial support may be top of mind, but emotional support can be just as valuable when navigating a challenge like this. We are available 24/7 to talk through your situation, identify your options, and help you make a plan (720-386-6009). No matter what your support system looks like, you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.

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Accommodations For Pregnant College Students

12/13/2024

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When morning sickness, doctor appointments, and even childbirth conflict with your college schedule, what are you supposed to do? Do colleges accommodate pregnant students in these situations? If you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of your college curriculum, it’s time to request accommodations for your pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. 

Pregnant students are protected by Title IX, a federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational institutions. Any college that receives federal funding is required to treat pregnant students with disabilities just like any other student with disabilities. Let’s talk about what accommodations are available to pregnant students, why you might need them, and how to get them.

What are accommodations for pregnant students?
An accommodation is an exception or adjustment granted to an individual to ensure equal access to opportunities. When someone experiences disability in a university setting, accommodations remove barriers to education. Often, there’s a stipulation that the accommodations must be “reasonable.”

What are reasonable accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation provides equal access to an opportunity, without causing undue hardship for the college. It effectively solves a problem for the student, but is not overly burdensome on the educational institution, including the professor and other students.

What are some examples of accommodations for pregnant and parenting students?
Accommodations are very unique to your personal situation, and there isn’t an exhaustive list of what accommodations are and are not allowed. The best approach is to discuss your needs with the disability services office and explore what accommodations might work for you, but here are a few ideas to consider:
  • Leave of absence or medically necessary leave
  • More flexibility with attendance requirements
  • Frequent breaks for rest, lactation, stretching, or bathroom use
  • A different chair, a footstool, standing, or more comfortable seating
  • Deadline extensions and early access to assignments
  • A reduced work load
  • A lactation room with privacy
  • Access to parking spaces or elevators
  • Snacks and drinks in the classroom
  • Opportunities to make up missed coursework

What conditions qualify for accommodations?
Accommodations are available for a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions and disabilities. Some of the most common ones include:
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth
  • Early delivery
  • Miscarriage
  • Morning sickness
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Lactation
  • Postpartum depression
  • Extended recovery
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Preeclampsia
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum
  • Infections

How do I get accommodations?
Getting accommodations shouldn’t be difficult, but going through the formal process does take a few steps. Here’s a quick way to get started:
  1. Identify your college’s office responsible for disability accommodations. It might be called the Office of Accessibility Services, Disability Services, or something similar. 
  2. Find out what the documentation requirements are. Your college might require a diagnosis from a doctor or the results of a recent medical test.
  3. Think about the challenges you’re facing and what accommodations might help you. The disability office should be able to tell you what accommodations are available, but since every situation is unique, it’s best to have an idea of what you would find most helpful.
  4. Schedule a meeting with the disability office. You’ll be able to discuss your needs and challenges, and learn more about the procedures for requesting and using accommodations.
  5. Complete any forms provided by the office. Be sure to include your supporting documentation with your formal accommodation request paperwork.
  6. Work collaboratively to create an accommodation plan. After reviewing your request and documentation, the office will work with you to develop a formal accommodation plan. 
  7. Communicate with your professors. You’ll typically receive an accommodation letter from the disability services office which you can take to an appointment with your professor. The letter outlines your approved accommodations but does not disclose your specific diagnosis.
  8. Know Your Rights and Advocacy Options. If you believe your accommodations are not being met, contact the disability services office or your college’s Title IX or ADA coordinator for assistance.

Navigating college as a pregnant or parenting student can be challenging, but with the right accommodations and support, success is within reach. By understanding your rights under Title IX, connecting with your school’s resources, and advocating for your needs, you can create a pathway that balances your academic goals with your responsibilities as a parent.

If you need help navigating the college experience with an unexpected pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time of day or night. Our team at The Avi Project is available 24/7 to help Colorado students succeed in their academic careers. Text or call us at 720-386-6009 to learn more about the emotional, monetary, and material support available to you. It’s completely confidential and commitment-free.
​
Remember, you’re not alone—your community is there to help, and countless students have thrived in similar circumstances. With determination and the proper support, you can achieve your educational dreams while providing for your family.

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The College Pregnancy Resource. Helping students facing unplanned pregnancy with all the resources and support they need to be successful. 

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Your donation will make a significant difference in the life of our client and her baby! ​

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