Skip to Content
Facing An Unplanned Pregnancy

An unplanned pregnancy in college can be devastating, but always remember that you do have options. Learn more about them here to determine which path is best for you moving forward.

Get Started

What to Do If You’re Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy in College

When you’re pursuing a higher degree, the last thing you may have considered was an unplanned pregnancy in college. During this time, you’re supposed to be pursuing your passions, making new friends and learning who you are. An unplanned pregnancy can seriously disrupt those things.

While it can be overwhelming to face an unplanned pregnancy in college at the same time that you are trying to ace your exams and live on your own for the first time, remember that you always have options. You will always have the right to do what you think is best for you, no matter which unplanned pregnancy path you choose.

Before you move forward, take a deep breath. You will get through your unplanned pregnancy in college, and everything will be okay in the end.

You are Not Alone

You are not the first woman to face an unplanned pregnancy in college, and you will not be the last. Often, college is the first time that a young woman has the opportunity to explore who she is, and that can sometimes lead to increased sexual exploration, as well. In a 2016 study, about 60 percent of college students reported having sex in the past 12 months — but, with only 38 percent of college students using condoms every time they have sex, it’s no wonder that unplanned pregnancies occur in college.

These college pregnancy statistics tell an important story: You are not alone. More than 2 million women between the ages of 18 and 24 become pregnant each year, and college pregnancy rates mean that about 26 percent of undergraduate students are parents. In total, more than 4.8 million undergraduate students are raising children today.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in college, remember that you have a support system available to you. You do not have to go through this challenge alone. Consider reaching out to your baby’s father, your parents, a university counselor or a pregnancy options counselor. It can be scary to admit your situation to your loved ones, but it will be much scarier to try to navigate your unplanned pregnancy in college all on your own.

Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

As a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, you always have the right to choose which unplanned pregnancy option is right for you. You will need to evaluate your personal situation and your goals and needs in order to make the best decision in your circumstances.

Below, find some guiding questions to help you determine what path to follow for your unplanned pregnancy in college.

Abortion

If you are considering terminating your unplanned pregnancy in college, it’s important that you research the procedure and consider the risks and benefits of this decision. For some women in college, abortion allows them to continue their classes unheeded by a pregnancy and move forward from this complicated situation in their life.

Before choosing abortion, ask yourself these questions:

Parenting

According to college pregnancy statistics, a large number of college-aged students choose to raise their children after an unplanned pregnancy. Becoming a parent is a lifelong commitment, so ask yourself these questions before choosing this path:

Adoption

Finally, if you are not ready to be a parent and know that abortion is not right for you, you may consider adoption. This unplanned pregnancy choice will give your child a safe, loving family and give you the chance to watch them grow up and be assured that you made the right choice. Ask yourself these questions if you are considering placing a baby for adoption in college:

Facing an unplanned pregnancy in college can be difficult. Only you can decide which path is best for you moving forward. Before choosing one, we encourage you to take advantage of your unplanned pregnancy resources and reach out to an options counselor for more guidance.