Phoenix, Ariz., Mar 9, 2017 / 14:56 pm
The Students for Life Group at Arizona State University is planning the nation's first Pregnant on Campus Week to offer resources, support and information for parents on campus this March 13-16.
"Pregnant and parenting students should never feel forced to choose between their children and their education," said Beth Rahal, national director of the Pregnant on Campus Initiative.
She applauded the initiative's student leaders for supporting their peers in difficult and vulnerable moments, and for "empowering women to succeed as parents, as students, and as valuable members of our communities."
Pregnant on Campus Week will include table displays at Hayden Lawn, a central part of Arizona State University's campus, offering information on resources for pregnant and parenting students.
These resources include breastfeeding rooms on campus and childcare options, as well as information about Title IX rights. The university's Family Resources department will also be available to discuss school aid for students with families.
Additionally, a donation area will be set up for a baby shower drive to support pregnant moms on campus. Attendees will be able to write letter of encouragement to pregnant peers, learn more about fetal development, and utilize social media frames showing their support for parenting students.
Mariah Martinez, chair of the ASU Pregnant on Campus Initiative, explained in a press release the motto for the week: Fearlessly pursuing family and education.
"Our initiative exists to be a light of hope, empowerment, community, and resources for those students who find themselves pregnant and about to be a parent while completing their degree," she said.
"Whether informing them about their Title IX rights, pointing them to local pregnancy resource centers for low-cost prenatal care, informing them on the resources ASU already offers, or simply being there for emotional support, the Pregnant on Campus Initiative recognizes that pregnancy while going to school is a real occurrence, and we want to celebrate both."
The Pregnant on Campus Initiative is a project of Students for Life of America, a pro-life organization with over 1,100 high school and college groups. Pregnant on Campus offers resources for pregnant and parenting students at more than 500 schools.