Your college years were supposed to be spent learning, finding a career path, and enjoying friends. Instead, your unexpected pregnancy has most likely left you feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Plus, fatigue and nausea make studying more difficult. When life takes you in a different direction, where do you turn?

The caring advocates at Willowbrook Women’s Center want you to know you are not alone. Whether you attend MoWest, Northwest Missouri State University, or another college, you have federally protected rights through Title IX. Keep reading to see how you can be pregnant and still succeed academically.

What Are My Rights as a Pregnant College Student?

According to Title IX, these are your rights as a pregnant student:

• The school must offer the ability to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities without discrimination.
• The school must honor excused absences prescribed by your healthcare provider regarding pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it’s necessary.
• You can return to class with the same academic and extracurricular status.
• Your professors must allow you to make up missed work.
• You can choose to participate in special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students, but the school cannot pressure you to do so.
• The school must protect you from any harassment.
• The college must make special accommodations, such as a larger desk, more bathroom breaks, access to the elevators, etc.

Read through Title IX to better understand your rights. Speak with your college’s Title IX representative or counselor and be prepared to stand up for your rights as a pregnant or parenting student.

How Can Willowbrook Assist Me?

We provide complimentary services and appointments to all college women facing a challenging time during pregnancy.

Some of our services include the following:

• No-cost pregnancy testing for confirmation.
• A complimentary limited obstetrical ultrasound to better understand your options and help protect your health.
• Abortion information, so you can weigh this and all your options to make an informed decision that’s right for you.
• No-cost, confidential STD testing to ensure your health and safety are protected.

Get the help you need without the stress of payment or pressure. An unexpected pregnancy doesn’t have to be the end of your plans. It’s a detour, and we’re here to help you stay on track. Contact us today.