Finding out you’re pregnant before graduation can feel overwhelming, as if the world stopped momentarily. One minute you are finishing a chemistry project and a history paper, and the next all you can think about is how everything will change. You may feel like you have to choose between your education and your future; however, this is not true. Women have completed their degrees while caring for an infant, and there are many federal laws that make it possible for you as well.
You Are Protected from Discrimination
You are protected under federal law. Title IX protects you from discrimination based on pregnancy or childbirth in any school that receives federal funding. This applies to almost all public high schools and colleges. The school may not remove you from class, take away a scholarship, or remove you from any extracurricular activities simply because you are pregnant. The school must give you the same access to education as any other student with a temporary medical condition.
The school is required to make reasonable accommodations. If you require a larger desk to sit comfortably or more frequent bathroom breaks, those accommodations must be provided. If you are already a parent and returning to school, you may also need access to an elevator or a designated area to pump. Any absence due to medical issues related to pregnancy must be excused, provided your doctor states you need the time off. You should have the opportunity to make up any missed work without any negative impact. This applies to every student, secondary and post-secondary.
Unique Challenges for High School or College
In high school, you usually have a regular, established schedule and parents to inform about the pregnancy. If you live in Napa, we can help you figure out how to have that conversation. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to help you get the facts first. Knowing how far along you are and confirming the pregnancy is viable helps you make a plan. We can also refer you to community resources for help with medical care or completing your diploma.
College students face different challenges, mainly with on-campus housing and maintaining their financial aid. Most colleges and universities have a Title IX Coordinator who assists students requesting accommodations. If you are concerned about losing your financial aid or having difficulties with your GPA, contact the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible. Some colleges and universities have specific grants or childcare assistance for student parents. Research shows that more than one in five college students are parents, so you are not the only person sitting in a lecture hall while also thinking about doctor appointments. There is also protection afforded to you in your financial aid status if you ever need to take a leave of absence.
What to Do if Your School Does Not Comply
The first step is to get everything documented. For example, when an instructor tells you that you cannot make up a test, follow up with an email that confirms what they told you. Keep all medical records together in one place, and keep copies of emails sent by you to school representatives about your situation or about your rights, along with any related communication. If you feel that people at school are disrespecting your rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator, who will help ensure that the school is abiding by the law and will support you throughout your time in your program.
How We Can Support You
We want you to know that we have many resources for you after the baby arrives. One of our programs is called Earn While You Learn, and through this option, you can choose baby essentials like diapers, clothes, and bottles while you learn about parenting. This lightens the financial burden and gives you the supplies you need to care for your baby. We also provide client advocate one-on-one meetings to go over all your options, including adoption and abortion, so that you can better understand all of your choices before making a decision. You are welcome to bring a friend or the father of the baby for the appointment if you would like.
Feeling like you are between a rock and a hard place, especially when you are in the middle of midterms or finals, is natural. You have time to consider all of your options. Our center provides a safe place to talk through the possibilities without being judged or pressured. All our services are free and confidential.
Want to talk? Call us at (707) 266-1741. If you’d like to connect with us in person, please come see us! Napa Women’s Center is located at 935 Trancas St, Suite 4B, Napa, CA 94558. We are here to help.