Discovering you're pregnant in college can feel overwhelming. Balancing classes, exams, and social life is already a challenge, and now you're facing a life-changing situation.
You may be thinking about your next assignment, your finances, or even whether you’ll still be able to graduate. The good news is that you have options, rights, and resources available to support you.
This guide will help you understand your options, learn about protections available to pregnant students, and discover local resources in Carthage and the surrounding Moore County area.
Take a Deep Breath: You're Not Alone
It’s natural to feel panicked when you find out you’re pregnant. Pause, take a slow, deep breath, and exhale. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Organizations like Life Care Pregnancy Center can provide a safe, confidential place to talk through your situation, learn about your options, and connect with resources. From pregnancy testing and education to ongoing support, you can find help as you navigate this new chapter.
Understanding Your Rights: What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. It protects students who are pregnant or parenting at schools and colleges that receive federal financial assistance [1].
For pregnant students, this means your school cannot discriminate against you because of your pregnancy. Title IX ensures you have equal access to education and activities, with specific accommodations to support your academic success during pregnancy and childbirth. If you have questions about your rights or believe you are being treated unfairly because of your pregnancy, your school’s Title IX Coordinator can help explain your protections and available options.
Key Title IX Protections for Pregnant Students
Under Title IX, colleges must provide accommodations to ensure you can continue your education. These include[1]:
- Excused Absences: Absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions must be excused.
- Make-Up Work: You’re entitled to make up missed assignments, exams, or coursework without penalty.
- Physical Accommodations: Access to larger desks, elevator use, or seating adjustments to accommodate your pregnancy.
- Frequent Restroom Breaks: Permission to take bathroom breaks as needed during classes or exams.
These protections are designed to help pregnant students continue their education without being unfairly disadvantaged because of pregnancy or childbirth.
If you have concerns about your rights, reach out to your school’s Title IX Coordinator or student services office. They can help you understand your specific protections and what steps to take.
Can You Stay in Your Dorm While Pregnant?
Yes. Pregnancy should not prevent you from accessing your college housing. It’s illegal for a college to evict you from campus housing due to pregnancy. Title IX explicitly prohibits such discrimination.
If anyone tries to remove you from your dorm because you are pregnant, contact your campus Title IX coordinator. They’ll advocate for your rights and help resolve any issues.
Participating in Sports and Extracurriculars While Pregnant
Pregnancy doesn’t automatically disqualify you from sports or extracurricular activities. Title IX ensures you can continue participating in athletics, clubs, or other programs as long as it’s safe.
The decision to continue is yours, in consultation with your healthcare provider. Coaches, professors, or advisors cannot force you to stop participating. Always prioritize your health and safety, and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Communicate with your coach, professor, or advisor about any accommodations you may need.
Scholarships and Financial Support for Pregnant Students
Worried about the financial burden of college while pregnant? Good news: there are scholarships available for pregnant and parenting students.[2]
These awards can help cover tuition, books, and living expenses without repayment, unlike loans. Organizations like Scholarships for Women offer grants tailored to your needs.
Will You Lose Scholarships Because of Pregnancy?
No. You cannot lose your scholarships because of pregnancy.[3] Title IX and the NCAA Model Pregnancy and Parenting Policy protect your financial aid.
As long as you maintain good academic standing and remain enrolled, your scholarships are secure. If you’re an athlete, these regulations also protect your athletic scholarship.
Exploring Abortion as an Option
If you are considering abortion, having accurate information and a safe place to ask questions can help you make an informed decision.
At Life Care Pregnancy Center, we can help you confirm your pregnancy, provide information about your options, and connect you with helpful resources. Our team is here to listen without judgment and support you as you consider your next steps
You’ve Got This
An unexpected pregnancy during college can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to define your future or derail your dreams. With Title IX protections, scholarships, and support from Life Care Pregnancy Center, you can continue your education and achieve your goals. Reach out today to explore your options and take control of your journey.
Support for Pregnant Students in Carthage, North Carolina
Pregnancy might not have been part of your college plan, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams.
Life Care Pregnancy Center provides free, confidential services to empower you. From pregnancy testing to education on all your options—parenting, adoption, or abortion—our team is here to support you through graduation and beyond.
Call us at (910) 947-6198 or schedule an appointment online today. Take the first step toward a confident future.
You are not alone. Your future is still ahead of you, and we're here to walk with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Inform Your Professors About Your Pregnancy?
You are not required to disclose your pregnancy to instructors or school staff. However, informing your professors or academic advisor can help you secure accommodations—such as excused absences or extended deadlines—that Title IX guarantees to protect your education.
Can Your College Force You to Take a Leave of Absence?
No, your university cannot force you to withdraw or take a leave of absence because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical needs. Title IX protects your right to stay enrolled, so any decision to take a temporary break is entirely yours.
What Should You Do If a Professor Refuses Make-Up Work?
Refusing to let you submit missed assignments due to pregnancy violates your Title IX rights. Keep a record of your communication and contact your campus Title IX coordinator immediately to ensure your rights are upheld and the issue is resolved.
Sources
- US Department of Education. (2020, January 10). Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School. Ed.gov. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html
- College Grants & Scholarships for Pregnant Women. Scholarships for Women. (n.d.). https://www.scholarshipsforwomen.net/pregnant/
- A Review of Federal Law and NCAA Rules Impacting Treatment of Pregnant and Parenting Student-Athletes. NCAA.org. (n.d.). http://s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa.org/documents/2021/1/18/Model_Policy_Legal_Review.pdf