A bill currently before Congress would provide $10 million to be dispersed in 200 grants to colleges and universities to provide for pregnancy and adoption services. The sponsors the bill hope to offer another option other than abortion when women become pregnant in college.
These offices would also provide healthcare, housing, parenting education and child care.
With 52 percent of women who have abortions are under the age of 25, and 75 percent of those women chose abortion over carrying a baby to term because of fear of a child interfering with academics or work, this legislation is a good start into a problem that has needed addressing.
By giving women support for alternatives to abortion, perhaps fewer abortions would be necessary, something partisans on both sides of the issue have to agree is a good thing. We would like to caution Congress, however, not to use the program's existence as a reason to justify the curtailment of the larger right to an abortion. Additionally, the funds should not come with a layer of religous doctrine.
While we support this program, we do not think AU should take the money if offered. Our students are offered good services, and there are public schools with more students that are in more need of the money.
