Options and advice for unplanned pregnancy

By: Sabrina Sebastian

Posted: 10/31/07

By Sabrina Sebastian

The recent tragedy on campus has left the Bellarmine community consumed with questions about what has happened. However, what is more important is what we can do to ensure it does not happen again.

There are choices, resources and options. Most importantly, no one has to make this decision alone. Bellarmine and the Louisville community have numerous resources for women to aide in the decision making process, as well as medical care and counseling.

The first line of defense is prevention. Alice Kimble, Director of Bellarmine University Health Services and the SuRF Center spends a great deal of time focusing on prevention.

"I talk to most freshman classes; however, I don't get them all," Kimble said. The talk focuses on the importance of abstinence, safe sex, sexual transmitted diseases, and where to go for help if you need it.

If you do become pregnant, Kimble says that there are numerous options and services available, on campus and in the community. "We try to make it clear, you can come to us and talk to us," Kimble said. Resources on campus include Campus Health Services, the Counseling Center, Campus Ministries, Residence Life and Student Affairs staff.

Students seeking help will be ensured confidentiality and will be helped, not judged. "I keep my beliefs out of the conversation. I try and offer choices and advice. The choice of what to do is up to the person, I am only here to help," Kimble added.

The Louisville Community has countless people and places to go for help, as well. The Health Department, which has many clinics throughout the community, offers services on a sliding scale, based on income. Ability to pay should not be a reason not to seek help. Planned Parenthood also offers prevention services, as well programs to help throughout pregnancy.

In many states including Kentucky, there are "Safe Haven Laws" in place to help prevent instances such as this from occurring. According to childwelfare.gov, the parent or another individual may relinquish the infant within 72 hours of birth, to any emergency medical services provider, police officer or firefighter. The individual relinquishing the infant will remain completely anonymous and will not be investigated for abandonment.