If you’re currently a college student, chances are, this new semester has already included many sweet and exciting moments. Maybe you’ve relished having nights out with friends, a space of your own to customize, or the simple pleasure of latte runs before class on crisp fall mornings. Every college experience is unique. But this time of life usually brings a newfound sense of independence that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Perhaps this term has been especially thrilling because you’re dating someone. Whether the two of you met recently or have known each other for a while, it probably feels great to have your partner by your side. But what if unexpected circumstances are stealing away your enjoyment of this season? What if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy?
Avenue Women’s Center exists to walk beside persons coping with challenging situations like yours. We’re a first-step pregnancy center and limited medical clinic with six locations in the western Chicago metro area. For over forty years, Avenue has been providing free early pregnancy support to women from our own Chicagoland community and beyond.
Discover more “About” Avenue Women’s Center and reach out to speak with an expert team member!
Grappling with Questions and Exploring Answers
If you’ve recently realized that you’re unexpectedly pregnant by your college boyfriend, you probably have a lot of questions running through your mind. Here are a few that many people wrestle with…
- How should I approach my partner with my pregnancy news, if I choose to tell him at all?
- How will I navigate these circumstances while away from my family?
- What are my pregnancy options?
- How would my options impact my education, finances, and future career?
- If I choose to continue this pregnancy (whether or not that means parenting), are there rights to protect me from discrimination as I continue my education?
- What resources are available to me?
Our caring staff at Avenue is available to process these questions and others by your side. Every pregnancy experience is unique, just like every college journey. We offer a safe space to access reliable information and compassionate care, to help you explore the path that’s best for you.
How Could Avenue Women’s Center Help?
Here are some of the no-cost, confidential services we provide at Avenue:
Medical-grade pregnancy tests.
Our pregnancy tests are highly accurate and completely free. It’s really important to confirm what’s going on with your body before taking your next steps.
Options consultations.
Any person facing an unexpected pregnancy has 3 options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Each comes with its own set of risks and perceived benefits. It can be very helpful to learn the ins and outs of all 3 before you decide, so you can look back on this experience with confidence that you made a fully informed choice. Keep in mind that there are options within your options too (for example, a medical abortion vs. a surgical one, an open or semi-open adoption vs. closed). A consultation is an opportunity to learn about these possibilities. It’s also a time to simply talk with someone who genuinely cares and receive emotional support. Our Avenue consultants are here to offer information on available resources as well.
Limited medical ultrasounds.
At Avenue, these are provided by highly-trained, licensed nurses. A no-cost scan can provide 3 key pieces of information:
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- What is the gestational age? In other words, how far along has the pregnancy developed? Knowing this would clarify which abortion method(s) you’re eligible for, if that’s a pregnancy option that’s on the table.
- Is the pregnancy viable? Would the pregnancy continue on its own? What are your chances of having a miscarriage? About one in five or six pregnancies ends naturally. If you’re considering an abortion, and your odds of having a miscarriage are high, you may not need to go through this process and expense.
- Where is the pregnancy located? An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that’s located outside of the uterus. If you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, this situation would pose a serious risk to you and require immediate medical intervention apart from an abortion. It’s important to know about an ectopic pregnancy so you can receive treatment right away and protect your health.
At Avenue, we believe that no woman should have to face an unexpected pregnancy without all the resources she needs to feel knowledgeable and equipped in her decision. Our services are available to residents and non-residents of Illinois at six convenient locations! If you’re far away or can’t make it to one of our clinics, we provide virtual consultations.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment today! We accept walk-ins as well!
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.