During an unexpected pregnancy, it’s normal to feel scared and unsure about how to handle the situation. But if you’re a student, these circumstances could make you dread returning to school even more. You may be worried about back-to-school season for all kinds of valid reasons. Maybe you’re anxious about the stigma that can come with an unexpected pregnancy or with pregnancy options you’re considering. Perhaps pregnancy symptoms or academic challenges are significant concerns for you. Wherever you stand today, know that it’s possible to get the caring and confidential support that you need.
Going back to school during an unexpected pregnancy can bring many challenges—social, emotional, academic, and physical. But you’re strong enough to confront your fears with courage, and ultimately choose your own best path despite the challenges. Our expert team at Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you reach that goal. We provide confidential early pregnancy services at no cost, including medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds. We’re passionate about equipping women of all ages and backgrounds with the accurate information they need to take confident next steps.
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Knowing and Utilizing Your Civil Rights
Are you thinking about continuing the pregnancy, but worried that this would impact your academic performance or ability to participate in school activities? Maybe you’re nervous about potential physical symptoms like nausea, being denied excused absences for medical appointments, or getting asked to step down from an athletic program. Know that you have rights under Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination (including pregnancy and parenting status) in educational settings. Here are just a few adjustments that your school would be required to make under Title IX (U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights):
- Your school must allow you to keep participating in classes and extracurricular activities regardless of pregnancy or parental status. Reasonable accommodations would need to be made by your school to make this feasible for you.
- Your school would need to grant you excused absences for pregnancy-related medical needs and allow you to resume your education where you left off after leaves of absence.
- Your school would be required to protect you from sexual harassment or discrimination, including harassment or discrimination connected with your pregnancy.
If you think you may be pregnant when you return to school, it could be extremely helpful to research your rights under Title IX in advance. You can also speak with the Title IX Coordinator assigned to your school.
Coping with Stigma
Maybe another aspect of back-to-school season that you’re worried about is the potential for stigma. Chances are, most of your classmates don’t know about your pregnancy at this time. Perhaps none of them do. You may be concerned about the wrong people finding out if someone were to betray your trust or if you were to start showing pregnancy signs. Most of us have been stigmatized for one reason or another, so most of us know the emotional pain of feeling judged by our peers. Even the possibility of this can be frightening. Know that you can navigate this pregnancy courageously. You can identify and pursue your own best pregnancy outcome, despite the challenges you’re facing. Here are a few tips to help you engage in a healthy decision-making process… no matter what others think or say.
- Confide in a small group of caring people that you trust. Sharing your story with a few trusted people can help you get important support while protecting your privacy. Start with just one or two people. Someone like a mentor, a professional counselor, a loyal friend, or a pregnancy consultant could be a good choice. Have in-person conversations in private settings.
- Keep your head up. Ask yourself how much the opinions of your classmates really matter. It may feel like they matter a lot, but it’s possible to take back the power those opinions are holding over you. Chances are, only a handful of your peers (if any) understand your full set of circumstances. Don’t let their real or perceived judgments influence your pregnancy decision, especially if those classmates aren’t even offering their support.
- Learn where things stand with your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy, find out how far along you are, and evaluate possibilities like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus, which would require immediate medical attention). Your pregnancy may or may not be viable. Depending on its condition, your best path forward may become clear to you, and you may not have to worry about returning to school with a pregnancy in the first place. Avenue Women’s Center can provide this important information through a free limited medical ultrasound.
Check out some of our other blogs on this topic!
“I’m Afraid of the Stigma this Unexpected Pregnancy Might Bring”
“Pregnant and Afraid People Will Notice When School Starts”
Standing up for your rights doesn’t always come easily. And pursuing your own best path in the middle of conflict or stigma is easier said than done. However, you have what it takes to identify which steps are right for you, and to take them with courage and confidence. Believe this- because it’s true! Our expert team at Avenue believes this about you too. We’re here to empower you with reliable information and emotional support, no matter where your road leads.
Schedule an appointment at 1 of our 5 limited medical clinics in Chicagoland!
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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.