For Students: Heading Back to Campus

08 Aug, 2023

 

To Know Before You Go

If you are getting ready to head back to school, it is important to know the laws surrounding abortion access in the state where you will be attending school. The overturning of Roe v. Wade impacted the laws in many states across the country. At the time of this writing, abortion is still legal in the state of Massachusetts up to the point of 24 weeks. It is important to note that there are different steps to take prior to scheduling an abortion to evaluate which abortion you are eligible for and if an abortion is even needed.

Being Prepared: Have a Plan

Have you ever considered what you might do if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant? It is important to make a plan now before you find yourself in a crisis situation when you can think clearly and fairly evaluate all of your options. Learn about the potential risks and side effects of abortion procedures, research what resources are available on your campus to pregnant and parenting students, and educate yourself on the different types of adoption and how most agencies help birth parents with expenses ranging from medical care costs, living expenses, tuition, and more.  Additionally, you may want to discuss this plan with your partner to hear their thoughts and feelings concerning the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy so you know how they would want to proceed if you find yourself in this situation.

What to do if You or a Friend are Unexpectedly Pregnant

First, start with a pregnancy test. There are many reasons why you might miss or experience a delayed period besides pregnancy. This could include stress, medication, weight gain or loss and more. You can learn more about reasons you might miss a period by reading our blog. At Your Options Medical, our medical staff recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning.

After a positive pregnancy test, the next best step is to have an ultrasound to confirm if you are actually pregnant. A positive pregnancy test in just an indicator of pregnancy and cannot confirm with absolute certainty that you are pregnant. Whether you are planning to have an abortion or you want to continue your pregnancy, an ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test is the best medical practice in order to confirm the dating of your pregnancy and to assess for an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

One an ultrasound confirms you are pregnant, you will want to review information on all the options available to you with someone who is not financially invested in your decision. At Your Options Medical, we are the first step. Our focus is pregnancy confirmation and options counseling. We are not an abortion clinic, prenatal clinic or adoption agency so you can feel confident knowing no matter what you decide, Your Options Medical does not financially benefit from your decision. This also means there is no pressure to make a decision the same day. You have time.

If you or someone you know thinks you might be pregnant and this was not in your plans, schedule a no-cost appointment with Your Options Medical today! We provide confidential services and care you can trust.

Check out our other blogs for resources and information on topics like:
–How do I Support My Friend Experiencing an Unexpected Pregnancy?
–Reasons You Need an Ultrasound Before an Abortion
–Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?