In School and Pregnant? Considering Abortion?

If you are a student in college, trade school, or high school and have a possible unplanned, unexpected, or unwanted pregnancy – you are probably feeling emotional, and confused, which is normal. You probably have many questions and are not sure where or how to get information or help.

Pregnancy may not have been part of your plan, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving your dreams!

You are unique, and your situation is unique, but you’re not alone, and there are answers to your questions.

In this time of uncertainty, Options Women’s Care Center is here to help, from your first pregnancy test to the day you walk the graduation stage, and beyond. We can help you work through the concerns you may be thinking about – your school studies, your parents, the father, your friends, and of course your future.

We provide a safe, confidential, convenient place where you can feel supported and get accurate information, so you can make confident informed decisions. You can freely talk about your questions and concerns, including pregnancy testing, pregnancy options, and other information you may want, so you can decide on next steps.

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Student Pregnancy Legal & Education Issue

Legal Pregnancy Help

One frequent and important concern is about abortion legality. In the State of California, a forced or coerced abortion is illegal. As a student, under U.S. civil rights laws and Title IX law, you have rights and resources as a pregnant student.

We can provide resources to help you understand your legal rights, so you can decide what’s right for you. Please note that Options is not a legal firm and does not provide legal advice.

School and Education Pregnancy Help

Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex – including pregnancy and parental status – in educational programs and activities. You have the legal right to ask your school for help regarding what they can do to support you in continuing your education and provide you with pregnancy help and resources. Women cannot be discriminated against because of pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, childbirth, or the recovery associated with these.1

Many resources are available for pregnant students. For example, special college grants and scholarships are available for pregnant women.2

We can provide resources to help you understand your educational options, so you can decide what’s right for you.

Student Pregnancy Questions?

You may have many questions, including these and maybe more:

  • How do I know if I’m pregnant?
  • Is my information kept confidential?
  • What are my options?
  • Is abortion an option for me?
  • What do other pregnant women do?
  • What about my future?
  • What are my legal rights?
  • How will I finish school?
  • Are there Scholarships for Pregnant Students? (A Title IX question)
  • Can I Lose My Scholarships Because of My Pregnancy? (A Title IX question)
  • Can I Participate in Extra Curricular Activities While Pregnant? (A Title IX question)
  • Can I Stay in My Dorm While Pregnant? (A Title IX question)
  • What will my parents say?
  • Should I tell the father? How do I tell him?
  • What if I’m not sure about my pregnancy decision?
  • What will my classmates/professors/teachers think?
  • I don’t have health insurance. How can I get medical care?
  • How can I provide for a child?
  • Can I get parenting education?
  • How does adoption work?

The First Step – A Pregnancy Test

First take a deep breath and let’s confirm if you are pregnant or not. Try not to get ahead of yourself and worry about being pregnant before you are sure.

A missed period is the most common indication of pregnancy, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant.

Below are some common pregnancy symptoms, but having some or all of these pregnancy symptoms still does not mean you are pregnant.

  • Late period
  • Missed period
  • Tender or swollen breasts
  • Frequent urination
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Backaches
  • Food cravings or aversions
  • Darkening of the nipples

The first step is to schedule a FREE appointment with Options, so we can provide you with a confidential free pregnancy test and free ultrasound referral. At this appointment, we also provide you with more details about abortion types, methods, risks, possible side effects and complications, costs, and alternatives. We can also help answer your questions.

After you have your FREE pregnancy test and ultrasound, you will have more information about your choices and can take the next steps. A registered nurse will be available to provide you with more information.

Get Help and Support

Contact us – 626-671-0581, office@optionslapuente.org, or request an online appointment.

All our services are FREE and confidential!

We are here for you.

Map Directions – from your school location

Click on your school below for map directions to the Options location. Let us know if you want your school added to the list.

Colleges – map directions to Options location:

High Schools – map directions to Options location:

Citations

2 Sources / Citations

1 U.S. Department of Education – Office of Civil Rights. (2023). Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX protects you from discrimination at school. Retrieved May 22, 2024 from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html

2 Scholarships for Women. (n.d.). College Grants & Scholarships for Pregnant Women. Retrieved from https://www.scholarshipsforwomen.net/pregnant/