The American Feminist

The American Feminist, Summer 1997

Where Have All the Pregnant Students Gone?

Georgetown University Hosts First Pregnancy-Resource Forum
in the Country (click here for update)

Georgetown University Right to Life organized a precedent-setting forum on pregnancy services for students in March. Based on the national average, it is estimated that 10 percent of women at Georgetown become pregnant each year. The forum was a vital step forward in addressing the concerns of this significant student population.

The forum attracted several influential administrators and more than 65 students from diverse ideological backgrounds. Student groups such as the International Socialist Party and Hoyas for Choice distributed leaflets in protest as students arrived. FFLA Executive Director Serrin Foster served as moderator and established the ground rules. "This forum is not a debate over abortion or even contraception," Foster said. "This discussion is intended to identify and develop resources for pregnant women to empower them to make life-affirming choices."

Bioethics major and Rhodes Scholar Kerry Francis opened the discussion by reading a compelling account of one student's experience of being lost in the system as she faced a crisis pregnancy. It became clear early on in the discussion that students were unaware of the help that is available for pregnant students. Many students erroneously believed that pregnant students were forced to leave the campus, thereby placing additional pressure on them to choose abortion.

The major issues addressed ranged from housing to adoption placement to on-campus child care. Women at the forum were eager to communicate their needs to the administration. The panel of administrators informed students of services that are available to pregnancy women. However, some concerns were left unanswered.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is one such concern for a woman who makes an appointment at the Student Primary Care Clinic. The bill for a medical exam and pregnancy test will be reflected on an insurance form that would make its way back to her parents. Administrators acknowledged that there is currently no way to ensure confidentiality of insurance records and that women might feel pressured to seek help elsewhere, including at abortion clinics. However, administrators pointed out that home pregnancy tests are distributed free at the Health Education Office.

Financial coercion

Women also voiced their concern about financial coercion. For example, unsupportive parents might withdraw financial support and no longer pay tuition for a daughter who chose to carry her child to term. The assistant dean of Student Services and the director of Georgetown's Pregnancy Support Services told the audience that they are able to help students receive emergency financial aid. With this program, student who are mothers can continue working toward a degree despite a lack of parental support. Megan McMullen, director of the Northwest Center and Maternity Home, a non-profit pregnancy center near Georgetown, added that parents who are initially angry about a daughter's pregnancy often become quite supportive at the first sight of their new grandchild.

Housing

Students also decried the lack of housing for student parents on or near campus. Pregnant students may remain in the dorms, but dorm life is not conducive to child-bearing students. Because of a housing shortage for all students, Georgetown has established a free referral system for nearby rental properties that are open to mothers with infants. The university can also house pregnant students and new mothers in the homes of volunteers.

Child care

In addition, Georgetown is looking into providing on-campus child care for students with children. Low-cost professional care is preferred, but Georgetown Pregnancy Services may provide space in which student volunteers can watch their classmates' children while the mothers attend classes and study. Georgetown is already providing adoption assistance.

Over the course of the panel discussion, it became apparent that the administration needed to find ways to publicize these services better to students. Few in the audience -- students and faculty alike-- were aware that the resources mentioned were actually available at Georgetown. Georgetown relies on its web site, a handbook distributed to students during orientation, and occasional bookmarks and newspaper ads to make women aware of its services. However, these efforts have not raised enough awareness.

The forum made clear that Georgetown is trying to help accommodate pregnant and parenting students. Yet more needs to be done. Progressive forums such as the one sponsored by Georgetown Right to Life are a vital first step in addressing this most urgent problem. But recommendations from panelists, comments from the audience and written evaluations provided a blueprint for further progress for university officials to consider.