Student Life Handbook: Policies and Procedures Pregnancy

Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices.  Therefore, should a Westmont College student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with a dean, resident director, and other student life staff members. Student Life staff are ready to help and offer support to both the father and mother to effectively work through the complexity of needs that a pregnancy presents. The life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents and the Westmont College community are of significant primary concerns. The College is committed to responding in a redemptive manner and Christian love, seeking to balance compassion with accountability.

Staff members are excellent resources to connect the student to academic and other support services. Every reasonable and appropriate effort will be taken to protect the privacy of the mother and father of the unborn child. The College will disclose information only in the case of legitimate educational need. In no case will the College violate privacy rights afforded to students under federal and state law. While some students in these circumstances may choose to leave the college temporarily, it is our hope that any student who chooses to continue in classes during the pregnancy will find Westmont to be a supportive and redemptive community. Students who access support that is available through the Westmont Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Health Center can be assured that information is confidential as provided by applicable laws.

Last Updated on 8/16/21

Reviewed on 8/16/21