A Woman's Choice on Campus
"I'm Pregnant?!--
I thought midterms were my only worry!"
College probably was your key to great future--and it still is. But the shock of a positive pregnancy test maybe has really thrown you for a loop. Confused? Worried? Scared? Let us help you think through the situation and what the future might look like now. Come to A Woman’s Choice to confirm your home test was accurate. While you’re here, we’ll determine how far along you are, educate you on the options before you, and be a sympathetic listening ear. For now, this page may answer some of the questions you may have...
Basic Information Links:
Understand your Pregnancy
Considering Abortion?
Pregnancy and Education Information:
Pregnancy and School
Kelli's Story
What is emergency contraception?
Considering Adoption?
Pregnancy and School
Women should never have to pit pregnancy against education. Already busy and stressed--you may think adding a baby to the mix would be impossible. Here are some suggestions to consider as you weigh one choice against another:
- Prioritize. Regardless of your degree program--you’ve set goals. Rethinking that is hard when something unexpected comes into your life. Nevertheless, the baby is no accident. By pitting education against a baby, a life, you are comparing apples and oranges. It is not an either/or question. We are not saying you have to give up your education, but would you be willing to adjust it, postpone it, take a little longer to finish--to save someone’s life?
Many of us are choosing fields that focus on helping others--education, medicine, social work, even engineering. So--will you help your child now? You are willing to make sacrifices of time and finances to better your situation--so are you willing to make sacrifices to help someone else--namely your child?
These questions are a tool used to give perspective because when in a crisis situation, sometimes we aren't thinking clearly. Logical, ethical or even a biblical approach to these questions can lead to the same conclusion. The baby in you is life--46 chromosomes with a map for completion in you from the moment of conception. Right up front, you need to know, A Woman's Choice is pro-life, and faith-based. Most Americans consider themselves pro-life, too. But If you have trouble with a religious approach--think about basic ethics--it is a life based on science, and most ethical codes honor sacrifice made for others. -
Educate Yourself on Available Resources. Take heart! There are a myriad of resources available to single moms to help them get through school. And if you do decide to plow through school as a single mom, know that it is possible and you have support.
- There are special grants and scholarships designed for single moms to help pay for school
- At some schools in the Louisville-metro area there is on-site child care
- There are non-profit organizations that exist to help single moms with monthly expenses as they continue their education
The resources are different depending on which school you are attending. Please visit us at A Woman’s Choice so we can help you find the appropriate resources your specific situation calls for.
+ University of Louisville Students
There is an RSO at U of L called A Woman’s Choice on Campus and that group of students is dedicated to investigating what U of L has to offer pregnant women and single moms. They, with the help of A Woman’s Choice, have created at 30 page resource guide customized specifically for the needs of the pregnant U of L student. Visit us at A Woman’s Choice to receive your free copy, or CLICK HERE for a downloadable pdf copy of our resource guide.
Kelli’s Story
As a 17 year old starting my senior year in high school, I was so excited! I recently became a new Christian, accepting Christ as the one who died for my sins. It was a new beginning for me and going to be a great year. I had been accepted into Indiana University and was on course to pursue a degree in communication, hopefully one day becoming a TV journalist. This all changed on Oct 16, 2002 when I found out that I was pregnant. I was so scared and was mainly worried about what everyone would think. It didn’t seem real, and the future became very muddy. Would I be able to go to college? Would I ever overcome the statistics of teenage motherhood? With much prayer, reliance on my new faith as a Christian, and the help of my family and church, I chose to parent my child.
One week after high school graduation June 2, 2003, I gave birth to the most gorgeous little girl in the world. I didn’t know what would become of my future, except for the beautiful miracle in my arms at that moment. As time progressed, I was able to return to school. I felt compelled to move 12 hours away from my family to pursue my bachelor’s degree. With no family near, I gained support from friends and other adults who “took me under their wing” through college. God knew I needed it and provided the support. My studies often took place during my daughter’s naptime and bedtime. I was able to be a mom when she was awake and a student when she was asleep. At times, she became a great study tool as I would memorize facts by saying them to her. She still retains that information because just the other day she spat out something I had memorized from college. It was a help for me and it helped her learn as well. God has continually shown His faithfulness through the process of my schooling. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 speaks about God calling and being faithful to accomplish it. If a woman is pregnant, then God has called her to be a mother (at least for 9 months). As HE has done this, HE will not let her down. Every step of the way I have been able to rely on God, and he has proved reliable.
Graduating with my Masters in May 2010, I know that it is not a valid excuse to say that being in school as a single mom is just too hard. God has done amazing things through this journey of six years with my daughter and me. The journey has not been easy, but it has been the best experience of my life. If I would have had to decide my future, I would have sold myself so short because God had greater plans for my life than I did. He used a crisis pregnancy to change those around me, to change me, and to grow the best earthly gift I have, my daughter.
To anyone reading my story, I ask that you think of the plans God has made for you in this part of your life. He is preparing you for something so great that you have no idea how great it is going to be. You must hold fast to the Word of God and His promises and rely on the One that is faithful. Finances are not an issue in school because of the amount of support the government will allow. I was able to pay for everything through that support. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and worried about your own future, think about your little one. Think about in 5 years you could be either braiding your little girl’s hair and sending her off to her first day of school or writhing in pain thinking of what could have been. I urge you to consider that plan that God has for you through this time.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception, which is commonly called the “morning-after pill,” was designed to be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. This pill is very similar to the birth control pill except that it contains a higher dosage of levonorgestrel then most pills. However, unlike many birth control pills, it does not contain any estrogen, but instead only progestin.i In the United States, there are three brands of EC: Next Choice, Plan B, and Plan B One-Step.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception can work in three different ways:
- It may prevent or delay ovulation, inhibiting an egg from being released from a woman’s ovary.
- It may prevent the egg from being fertilized if it has already been released.
- If the egg has been released and fertilized, it may prevent implantation.ii
Can a woman know which action will take place in her body?
No, a woman has no way of knowing which way EC will take effect in her body because there are many variables involved. Such as, what few days during the month she ovulates, if she has already ovulated before taking EC, and/or if the egg has already been fertilized.
What happens when an egg is fertilized?
During fertilization the sperm and egg unite to create a one-celled, distinct, individual human life called a zygote. The zygote receives 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 from the father, therefore receiving its own set of 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes are separate from those of the mother and father and determine the unique genetic make-up of the baby. Yes, that means the baby’s gender, eye color, hair color, blood type, and so on are determined at this point--fertilization. This rapidly developing cluster of human cells float within the uterus for a couple days before it implants.iii
What is implantation and why is it so important?
Implantation is when the zygote reaches the uterine wall and burrows into it for nourishment and nutrition. Implantation is crucial, because without it, the newly formed life will not be able to continue to mature and grow.
Why is emergency contraception controversial?
EC is controversial not because it may inhibit ovulation or fertilization but because it may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting on the uterine wall. If the fertilized egg cannot implant, then this distinct human life is then unable to receive the nourishment it needs for survival. In this circumstance, the morning after pill is considered an abortifacient – or abortion-causing.
What is the difference between having a miscarriage and using EC?
A miscarriage is when a woman’s body rejects a fertilized egg, typically for an unknown reason. When a woman miscarries she is not intentionally trying to prevent implantation, but instead implantation is prevented due to natural causes. Therefore a woman is in no way morally responsible for the loss of this human life.
EC, on the other hand, is when a woman intentionally prevents implantation through placing an artificial substance into her body. In this scenario a woman is directly responsible for ending a new life.
Why do those who promote EC claim it does not cause abortions?
Those who promote EC claim it does not cause abortions because they only consider the ending of a pregnancy an abortion after the baby has implanted on the uterine wall. So, if one defines “pregnancy” as the implantation of a zygote then EC does in fact “prevent” pregnancy.
However, it is medically proven that this new life begins growing and developing before it is implanted. The zygote starts as a one-celled human being, but rapidly begins to multiply into one hundred and fifty cells before implantation. This entire process begins immediately when the egg meets the sperm and does not wait until implantation.
Conclusion
If fertilization has occurred inside your body, you right now are carrying a human being with its own DNA distinct from your own and from his or her father’s. If you value human life, you will not want to prevent this individual from being able to get the nutrients he needs for survival. Just like we all need nourishment for survival, so does this new life. And the way in which he or she will survive is if he is able to implant on your uterine wall. If you take EC after fertilization, you are making it virtually impossible for this new life to survive.
And it is true, that if you take this drug, you could be preventing fertilization, which is morally permissible, but you will never know if you have succeeded. You may instead be preventing implantation, which is to intentionally end a human life.
This is not a light decision. We would love to sit down and talk more with you about EC, the different kinds of abortions, adoption, or the possibility of parenting. Please call 502.589.9400 to schedule a time to come in and talk to a counselor or email us at AWConCampus@gmail.com.
Considering Adoption?
10 Questions Women Ask About Adoption
- How can anyone carry a baby for 9 months and then give it away?
That’s the toughest question to answer; and it’s not a simple answer either. It takes a lot of love to do something that will ultimately be very difficult for you. It’s hard to understand now how rewarding it can be to realize you have given a loving couple something they are unable to give themselves. Of course, the main person in the equation is your child. By selecting a loving family, you are choosing to give your child what you can’t give him on your own. - Who selects the parents for my baby?
You do! You will be given profiles to read and pictures to look at compiled by waiting parents. Your child will grow up with the family you select. - Will I ever see my baby?
That depends on you and your preferences. You choose the level of openness you want in your adoption. You can see and hold your baby in the hospital, you can meet the adoptive parents, you can give the baby small gifts. After your baby goes home with her adoptive family you can receive picture, letters, videos and even arrange visits. “Open adoption” is a way for you and your child to know each other while she is growing. On the other hand, you may choose as little contact as you like. Adoptive parents respect your privacy as well as your need to know your child is being well cared for. - How soon will my baby go home with his adoptive parents?
That depends on two things – your choice of how soon that should happen and what the laws are in your area. Usually your child is able to be with his parents very soon after his birth. - What about the birthfather? Does he have rights?
Yes, he does, and birthparent counselors will be happy to talk with him, too. If you are no longer in a relationship with him, birthparent counselor will contact him about terminating his parental rights. If you are still together, the adoption agency of your choice will be happy to work with you as a couple. - How can I be sure my baby will be well cared for?
Adoptive parents are carefully screened and professional social workers examine their background, their marriage, and their ability to be good parents. You also have the option of staying in contact with them so you can see for yourself how your child is doing. - Is this going to cost me any money?
Agency services are free to you and all legal and medical fees will be paid by the adoptive family after the adoption takes place. - Am I selfish to consider adoption?
Adoption is a gift of love in every way. You are a caring and unique person because you are willing to at least look at the option of adoption. It shows that you are considering what is best for your baby. Making an adoption plan is making a choice that is loving and unselfish. - If I decide to make an adoption plan today, can I still change my mind?
This is a serious decision and one that will eventually become permanent. You may still change your mind after the birth of your baby, up to the time your parental rights are terminated. - What happens after the adoption?
Birthparent counselors will stay in contact with you and help you follow up on the goals you have set during your pregnancy. They will help you talk through your feelings, and make sure you know you’re not alone. Some birthmothers keep in contact with their birthparent counselor for years, always knowing there will be a caring voice on the other end of the phone if they need to talk.
The questions above were produced by an adoption agency named Love Basket (some modifications were made). These questions can be found by going to their website www.lovebasket.org, under FAQ. Accessed November 9, 2009.
Love Basket is one of many adoption agencies that could answer questions you may have about adoption. A Woman’s Choice does not endorse one agency over another. Please visit our Helpful Links page for a listing of adoption agencies.
iPlan B® One-Step website. “What is Plan B® One-Step?” www.planbonestep.com; Accessed October 6, 2009.
iiOn Plan B® One-Step’s website page 4, 12.1, under “Mechanisms of Action” it says that Plan B® One-Step “may inhibit implantation (by altering the endometrium).” “Full Product Information.” www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf; Accessed on October 6, 2009.
Further, on “The Emergency Contraception Website,” it states, “It’s also possible that emergency contraceptive pills work after fertilization, making it impossible for the fertilized egg to implant in your uterus.”
http://ec.princeton.edu/questions/ecwork.html; Accessed November 5, 2009.
iiiData regarding conception accessed from Mayo Clinic website. “Fetal development: The first trimester.” www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/PR00112; Accessed on October 6, 2009.