For most people who are beginning college, this major life transition means a new environment and social context, first-time independence, and perhaps an intimidating academic schedule. That’s a lot of change to deal with all at once! As thrilling as this new chapter may be, it’s likely an overwhelming one too. Maybe continuing to manage an unexpected pregnancy in the middle of all this seems unthinkable. Maybe abortion seems like your only option.
An unexpected pregnancy can feel especially devastating to someone like you, who’s just starting an exciting (and maybe a bit scary) college journey. You’re not alone. Many people face circumstances similar to yours, even if they don’t talk about their pregnancy experiences. Sadly, some of them end up making important decisions without really knowing the options and resources that are available to them. Our mission at Avenue is to change that.
Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic that provides free and confidential first-step pregnancy services at 5 locations in Chicagoland. When it comes to making a pregnancy choice (for abortion, adoption, or parenting), no person should have to feel backed into a corner. Our expert team respects your autonomy completely. We’re here to equip you with the reliable information and support you need to make your own best decision.
Learn more about Avenue! We’ve been serving individuals and couples facing unexpected pregnancies for over 40 years, and we’d love to earn your trust too.
Nobody Has Only One Pregnancy Option
No person has only one pregnancy option, no matter what circumstances she’s facing. Sometimes, it can definitely feel like there’s only one path forward. Remember, your overwhelmed feelings, though real and understandable, don’t always show the whole picture. Your situation may not be as black-and-white as it seems. You have three pregnancy options available to you: Abortion, adoption, and parenting. And within those options, you have more options (for example, different abortion methods and types of adoption plans). The main goal of your pregnancy journey will be to determine which road is uniquely right for you, and to walk that road with confidence. Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide comprehensive, objective tools, so you can feel empowered in your decision-making process.
Tools and Resources
Here are just a few of the benefits and resources that may be available to you! All of these exist to empower you, and are well worth exploring, regardless of which pregnancy outcome(s) you’re leaning towards.
Community resources.
Many communities provide various resources to support and empower their members, especially those who are vulnerable. You may be eligible for multiple forms of assistance that you haven’t yet learned about. In Chicagoland, where Avenue is based, we have access to affordable health insurance programs, financial services, housing resources, and much more. Some of these could be extremely helpful no matter which pregnancy option you choose.
Title IX.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that forbids sex-based discrimination (including pregnancy and parental status) in the arena of education. Any school (public or private) or college that receives federal funding is required to abide by it. If you continue your pregnancy, Title IX requires your school to let you attend classes and activities, allow excused absences, protect you from discrimination, and provide other accommodations (S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights).
Free services at Avenue.
Avenue Women’s Center provides early pregnancy services like medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds at no cost. We can offer information and referrals for many additional services.
Avenue is a safe place to start or continue your pregnancy journey. Before and after your pregnancy has been confirmed, our expert team is available to provide accurate information about each of your 3 pregnancy options. We’re also here to offer ongoing emotional support, regardless of your decision. We understand what a critical season of life this is for you and how vital it is to have a strong foundation of support. We’d love to play a role in strengthening your support system, so you can take your next steps as the healthiest version of you.
Reach out to speak with a caring staff member and schedule a consultation!
Also, check out some of our other blogs on this important subject!
“I Don’t Want My College Experience to Begin with a Pregnancy”
“Unexpectedly Pregnant: Is My College Experience Ending Before It Begins?”
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Reference:
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. (2020, January). Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School. Retrieved from: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html
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.