College and University Blog
An Unplanned Pregnancy - What Are Your Options?
Unwanted pregnancy is a reality for many students. It can happen to the most responsible sexual partners. A recent study indicated that 16.5% of students surveyed have been pregnant or have impregnated someone. 53.8% of the pregnancies were accidental.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, go immediately to the Doctor to medically confirm your suspicions or the results of a home pregnancy test. If you are not pregnant, ask about your birth control options. If you are pregnant, you have some decisions to make. You can have and raise the baby, you can have the baby and place it for adoption, or you can terminate the pregnancy.
This is a very personal and difficult decision to make. It is better to make a decision early in the pregnancy and get the appropriate medical care. However, you should take as much time as needed to make a decision that is well thought out. You should understand that there will be time limitations on when abortions can be legally performed.
Often the decision you make will be about what is best at this time; at another point in your life the decision might be different. In making your decision, you may:
- think about your own personal beliefs, values and practices
- assess your existing relationships (partners, family, and friends) and the support that these relationships need and can provide
- evaluate financial and social realities
- look at your living conditions and life circumstances
- examine your feelings about becoming a parent and about parenting in general
- explore spiritual, religious and cultural beliefs
- consider the reactions of others to your decision
As with any hard decision, you need to come to some understanding within yourself about whatever decision you make. It is very common for women to have a variety of emotional reactions to an unplanned pregnancy. Dealing with your feelings is an essential part of making a decision you can live with.
You may wish to seek advice when making this decision. Who you talk to is entirely up to you. Each of us has our own needs for privacy and for emotional, physical, economic and spiritual support. You may want to seek out people who are knowledgeable (to provide information or referrals), non-judgmental, supportive (whatever your decision), and someone you are comfortable talking to. Some women talk to counselors, health care providers, family, friends, or a member of the clergy. Whoever you talk to, you should never feel coerced or forced to make a decision that is not your own or that you are not ready to make.
- Having and raising the baby
Raising a child requires great physical and emotional demands, but it also can bring great joy. A strong support system will make it easier to raise the child. Raising a child means making some sacrifices