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student health guide
PREGNANCY
Everyone has different reactions to finding out they’re pregnant. Take some time to gather information and think about what to do next... f you have had unprotected sex and you think you might be pregnant but you’re not sure, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. You can get one for free from Brook, contraceptive clinics, family planning clinics or your GP. First off, don’t panic. Your uni will have a support network in place to help you with your next steps. Whatever you do, don’t bury your head in the sand and hope it will go away.
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If you are pregnant, there are three options available to you and you have the right to choose any one of them: ■ Continuing the pregnancy and raising the child ■ Continuing the pregancy and placing the child for adoption ■ Ending the pregnancy by having an abortion For some people, making a decision about pregnancy is easy. For others, it might be difficult. However
Whatever you do, don’t bury your head in the sand and hope it will go away
easy or hard you find the decision, it is your decision to make. Speak to Student Services or contact your local Brook clinic, GP or sexual health clinic. A healthcare professional will not judge you and will be able to direct you to further support and guidance. Your uni or local clinic is likely to have counselling services on hand if you are feeling overwhelmed. It can also help to speak to your family and/ or friends for further support and guidance.
Men’s rights ■ Men have the right to avoid conceiving a child by either opting not to have sex or by using condoms. ■ In law, if a woman decides to continue with a pregnancy, the man may be held financially responsible for the upbringing of the child, regardless of their current relationship status or his part in the child’s life. ■ If a woman decides to have an abortion, she may do so without his agreement.
For further guidance, visit www.brook.org. uk/your-life/ category/ pregnancy