What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in High School?

If you’re in high school and facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s completely normal to feel fear, anxiety, and confusion all at once. At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we understand and want you to know you’re not alone. You have options, and support is available.

By becoming educated about your situation, your rights, and your options, you can make a confident decision that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn the key things you need to know right now.

Looking for someone to talk to in a confidential, supportive setting? Contact Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today.

Confirm the Pregnancy

If you’ve taken a positive pregnancy test at home, that’s just the first step. To truly confirm a pregnancy, you also need an ultrasound. This simple scan can show whether your pregnancy is developing as expected, determine how far along you are, and detect important signs like a heartbeat.

At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we provide no-cost, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve access to accurate medical insight—so you can move forward safely and confidently.

Know Your Options

Even though you’re in high school, the decision is yours. Your options include parenting, adoption, and abortion, and no one (not friends, family, or anyone else) has the legal right to pressure or force you into a choice you’re not comfortable with.

Take time to explore your options and what each path might look like for you. Speaking with a trusted adult, healthcare professional, or trained advocate can help you weigh the emotional, physical, and long-term considerations of each choice.

Know Your Rights

As a pregnant student, you are protected under Title IX, a federal law that ensures equal educational opportunities for all students, including those who are pregnant or parenting.

Some of the rights you have include:

Excused absences for pregnancy-related needs and the ability to return to school in the same academic standing
Reasonable accommodations, such as elevator access or a larger desk
Protection from discrimination or harassment

This list is not exhaustive, so we encourage you to talk to your school’s guidance counselor to fully understand what accommodations and support are available to you.

We’re Here for You

We understand that this may be one of the hardest moments of your life, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we’re here to walk with you, answer your questions, and support you through this time.