Printer-friendly versionFeminists for Life has a program to provide support for pregnant college students so that they may continue with their education without destroying the life within them. One of two things commonly happens when a college student becomes pregnant: she either has an abortion or drops out of school. The campus culture promotes this, argues Serrin Foster, president of Feminists for Life of America, a pro-life group based in Washington, D.C.  It’s a culture that says abortion is the only real choice, she says.
“Pregnancy is not socially acceptable. That’s why you don’t see many visibly pregnant students on campuses,” said Foster.
Foster believes colleges should do a better job of providing resources and emotional support for pregnant women who wish to remain in school. Working with Georgetown University a few years ago, Foster said, Feminist for Life helped the school expand on-campus housing for pregnant students, day care programs and maternity coverage. It became the basis for the group’s College Outreach Program, which has taken root , in varying degrees, at 450 schools.
According to Foster, “Most women do not want to have an abortion. Most women do not want to leave school. What we’re saying with this program is, pregnant and parenting students want and deserve other viable choices. Pregnant students shouldn’t be pressured into sacrificing their children in order to stay in school. Instead of reaching out to these women, some schools turn their backs. It’s a mindset that needs to be changed.”   Visit the Feminists for Life web site.