It’s hard to think of a more exciting way to spend the summer than engaging in a study abroad program. For many of us, there’s something thrilling about breaking out on our own and immersing ourselves in a new culture. Maybe you’re an educational tourist who’s reading this blog from a Parisian park bench, a Spanish marketplace, or a New York City loft. All of these destinations may sound idyllic to those of us with wanderlust. But if you’ve recently discovered that you’re unexpectedly pregnant, it probably feels as though your adventure has suddenly turned into a nightmare.
Have you recently learned that you’re unexpectedly pregnant far from home? Chances are, this situation has triggered panic, spoiled your excitement over your travel plans, and presented new obstacles that seem overwhelming. No matter how isolated you feel, know that you don’t have to navigate these circumstances on your own! Avenue Women’s Center is available to connect with you, listen to your story, and equip you with reliable information. Our goal is to help you access all the support that you need to take your next best steps in this pregnancy journey.
Learn more about Avenue and our free, confidential services! We’re an early pregnancy center with five limited medical clinics based in Chicagoland. We provide in-person services and virtual consultations.
You Have What It Takes, In Spite of the Challenges
No matter where you’re from or where you’re studying, you’re sure to be facing some unique difficulties as a study abroad student who’s managing an unexpected pregnancy. You’re likely far away from your family. The person that you’re pregnant by is probably far away too, or on the trip with you. (Both of these situations can be awkward to navigate for unique reasons). Even if you have good relationships with your peers, educators, or hosts, you may not feel comfortable coming to them with news of your pregnancy. Depending on your travel plans and pregnancy timeline, you may also be looking to choose a pregnancy option outside of your home country. This would probably mean having to navigate unfamiliar health care and legal systems- not to mention a possible language barrier.
A study abroad student who’s facing an unexpected pregnancy has no shortage of potential challenges ahead of her. Are these challenges sure to prevent her from making a confident and informed pregnancy decision? No. As stressful as your circumstances may be, they don’t have to get in the way of a positive outcome. You have the personal resilience and available help that you need to move forward feeling supported and empowered instead of alone.
Finding Clarity at Avenue Women’s Center
Avenue Women’s Center is here for you no matter where you’re from or what you’re facing. We provide free and confidential early pregnancy services to everyone who needs them, because everyone deserves an opportunity to make an informed pregnancy decision with a strong support network behind her. Here are a few key pieces of information you can get from scheduling an appointment with us:
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Accurate, non-biased information on all your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting
- Information on practical resources in your area (medical, financial, educational, etc.)
- Confirmation of gestational age (through ultrasound)- To learn how far along you are and which pregnancy options are available to you
- Your chances of miscarriage (through ultrasound)
- The location of your pregnancy (through ultrasound)- To assess whether or not your pregnancy is ectopic, in which case you would need to seek immediate medical care
*Avenue Women’s Center is located in Chicagoland, Illinois. As such, our expert staff members are most familiar with resources, legal considerations, etc. for individuals facing an unexpected pregnancy in Illinois. We offer free in-person services like medical-grade pregnancy tests and limited medical ultrasounds at our five clinics. Avenue also provides virtual consultations and can help persons in other locations identify resources close to them. We strongly encourage every individual to check local laws concerning her pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting).
At Avenue, we view the challenges you’re facing not as impossible obstacles, but as hurdles that you’re fully capable of overcoming. We’re here to offer unconditional emotional support while equipping you with the tools that you need. Consider reaching out to us- especially if you’re geographically close by, but even if you’re not. We promise you’ll be met with warmth, compassion, and professionalism.
Contact us by call, text, chat, or email today!
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.