Maternal Matters CHARLOTTESVILLE PROVIDES DIVERSE PREGNANCY OPTIONS by Rebecca Ivey photo by Jill Nussbaum In the experience of a sexually active woman there may come a time when the usual reproductive precautions are not enough. Birth control is not foolproof, and people often make mistakes in the heat of the moment. In such situations it's hard to keep a grip on reality and logically decide what to do. The first step for an anxious woman who has had unprotected sex or has reason to believe she may be pregnant is to explore the possibilities available to her. Within a certain timeframe (up to 72 hours) emergency contraception is still an option. Beyond this time, the bottom line consists of determining whether or not she is pregnant and choosing a way to handle this situation while considering her beliefs, means, and desires. The possibilities include continuing the pregnancy as either a single or married parent, adoption, or abortion. The following listings provide starting points for students with a variety of needs and a variety of issues. Regardless of the situation, a good first step for anyone would be to visit Student Health, located across JPA from Cabell Hall. Or call. Or simply view their handy website. A wide range of services including gynecological exams, pregnancy tests, STD tests, contraceptive counseling and care, and emergency contraception (formerly known as the "morning-after pill") are offered at no cost to the student, save lab fees and the cost of filling prescriptions. Non-directive pregnancy counseling and referrals provide information for pregnant women about options offered elsewhere (abortion, adoption, private obstetricians), both locally and in the Central and Northern Virginia/D.C. areas. Another option is Planned Parenthood on Arlington Boulevard. Pregnancy tests are provided, as well as STD testing and treatment, gynecological exams, birth control services, emergency contraception, referrals for adoption, prenatal care, and a multitude of information on reproductive health. These services are offered at affordable prices, in a confidential atmosphere. The Charlottesville Center for Reproductive and Sexual Health provides gynecological exams, pregnancy testing, birth control services, and confidential abortions, both surgical and non-surgical, as well as counseling services. One might also consider going through Student Health's referral system to the Center, so that while the Center provides the abortion service, Student Health provides follow-up counseling in a more convenient location for most students. The Albemarle Department of Health is a good option for self-supporting students or those whose parents pay taxes in Albemarle County. Primarily a resource for unemployed or low income women, the Health Department offers gynecological exams, affordable birth control, emergency contraception, and referrals for counseling and non-gynecological health problems. STD testing (including HIV testing) is open to the public, anonymous, and free. A counseling and referral alternative to the clinics previously listed is the Charlottesville Pregnancy Center, located on Ivy Road. This Christian-based service is non-denominational and offers free pregnancy tests, pregnancy counseling and information, abortion education, post-abortion counseling, medical counseling and support, information about parenting, and information on STDs. Women wishing to carry a child to term can use the pregnancy counseling services at the Bethany Christian Center, which provide information and referrals to Social Services and crisis pregnancy centers, as well as many adoption services. If a woman decides to place her child with an adoptive family, a plan is established in which she chooses the family and negotiates the terms of the adoption with the family (such as the frequency of contact). A temporary foster program is also provided, in which a woman can place her child with a temporary foster family, and has 25 days in which to change her mind. An extensive counseling network is provided for both the mother and the adoptive family. Social Services of Albemarle County also provides adoption services. Both mother and father must be involved in the decision to place the baby with an adoptive family, and intensive counseling is provided for both. The two can select the family and meet with the adoptive parents to negotiate terms of official contact. A unique option is offered by Emmaus With Child, a Christian maternity home in Scottsville, providing a safe space for women in need of support during and after their pregnancy. To be eligible for the program at Emmaus a woman must be 18 or older and have no viable means of support. Emmaus provides more than just housing for pregnant women; high quality medical care, prenatal education and childbirth classes, Bible study classes, maternity clothing and baby supplies, and counseling on parenting, relationships, household management, and Christian sexuality are all part of the program. Additionally, rooms are available for women entering a training or educational program after their pregnancy. Those services listed above are some of the many offered in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. They are clinics, health departments, and service organizations which provide services, information, and referrals. Private practitioners can often be reached through these organizations. In dealing with the panic raised by a pregnancy scare or actual pregnancy, it's necessary to look calmly and quickly at the number and diversity of options available. Knowing where to look for advice and information is a good start when dealing with a very frightening situation. For more information: Student Health Gynecology Dept. web page Student Health Gynecology : 924-2773 Planned Parenthood : 296-2330       education ext. : 971-7456 C'ville Center for Reproductive and Sexual Health : 977-0200 Albemarle Department of Health : 972-6237 C'ville Pregnancy Center: 979-8888 Bethany Christian Services : 979-9631 Social Services of Albemarle County: 972-4010 Emmaus With Child : 286-2250

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