Posted on 07/19/2008 11:30:25 AM PDT by wagglebee
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A leading pro-life women's group told members of Congress and their staff this week that women across the country lack pregnancy helps and resources. Feminists for Life of America says the need is particularly acute for college students without good campus resources.
The organization held a special workshop on Tuesday to help Congressional staff understand the problem and encourage more support in upcoming legislation.
While many college students who become pregnant might prefer to keep their baby and parent while they complete their education, Serrin Foster, the head of the group, says most universities make that task difficult.
Although abortions are easy to obtain -- and some colleges fund them in their student health insurance -- there are few resources such as day-care, pregnant student housing, and education extension opportunities for students who don't want an abortion, Foster explained.
"College students are constantly told to challenge the status quo," Foster said. "Thirty-two years after the Roe v. Wade decision, abortion has become the status quo -- one out of every five abortions is performed on a college woman."
"FFL serves as a catalyst for developing resources and progressive solutions for pregnant and parenting students by asking women what they really want — because women deserve better," Foster added, according to a CitizenLink report.
The forum includes information from FFL's study that it released in April showing college-aged women have more abortions than any other age range of women in the United States.
The group said a lack of resources for pregnant and parenting students on most university campuses is part of the problem.
The report, Perception is Reality, reveals most college campuses either lack appropriate resources or students aren't aware of the resources available. Students were most confused or unaware of campus childcare options, school financial aid, and healthcare policies.
The lack of -- or perceived lack of -- support is likely causing some college women to have abortions because they feel financially incapable of caring for a newborn and completing their education.
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Barf alert. College students should focus on going to class, reading at the library, doing homework, and studying for exams instead of drinking and screwing.
College is for studying. Marriage is for children.
Unless I don't recall properly, they had plenty of help, at least practicin'...
I’m a member of FFL but disagree with the policy that colleges should subsidize out of wedlock childbearing. As individuals many members are far more conservative and less socialist.
It is true that the college climate already is one of sexual permissiveness, that abortion is the near universal solution to pregnancy, and that young women are terrified of either dropping out for a few years or placing their babies for adoption. Maybe, given that, there is something to be said for subsidies.
When I took a course at the age of 39, I was the only visibly pregnant woman I ever saw at The College of New Jersey. A community college where I took courses a few years later had a high quality on-campus daycare for toddlers and preschoolers (not infants) at very low cost, which my daughter attended for a few months. It’s the fancier four year institutions that don’t have the daycare and it’s there that FFL is concentrating on changing the attitudes of the future elite.
If some well-to-do spoiled brat here at UVA decides to get pregnant, she should look to the father to subsidize her child's daycare, not other students like me.
As much as I would want to agree to that, I might just say no if it would save one babies life. I’m sorry if that’s un-conservative, but I believe if there is a chance to save a child’s life from abortion they should do it. I don’t think this would be the best solution, but it’s late and I can’t think of anything else. I’m sure there is a better one (though it may involve SCOTUS).
I also know a friend who dropped out for semster when she got pregnant, gave birth and then gave the baby for adoption. I was so proud of her when I heard that. Anyway, this is the solution that I like. Not possible much in real life, but the more times this happens, the better.
The father probably would be another student like you. How willing are the young men at UVA to step up and be responsible? Get married, or work full-time to pay child support, or take care of the baby half the time, or be a full-time father?
What is happening is that pregnant students don’t feel like they have a choice. I said “feel” because it’s very hard to think clearly when you are young and frightened and only one course of action seems to be expected or supported.
Many women who matriculate against abortion or neutral graduate pro-abortion. Feminists for Life puts a major emphasis on reaching them. If they become conscious that only one choice is supported by their college and their fellow students, they may begin to think more deeply about the issue.
Just from walking around Grounds, I'm willing to wager that there are few if any pregnant undergrads here. Most UVA folks appear to go a more the traditional route: finish school, then have kids (hopefully within marriage).
There are few homes for these gals, and others who are going through unexpected pregnancies. Thus, the call laid on my heart to set up a maternity home. It is God’s project, but I am the hands and feet. There is a need for more of these. If we exist, they will have options. Those that exist are full...and getting calls from people all over the US, not just in their area, to place girls/ young women in need of help. May God lay it on the hearts of others to put up more of these homes. If there is a need now, how much greater will the need be when ROE v WADE is overturned?! I covet your prayers as we work through all of the steps to get off the ground. Thanks!
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