2008 Woodie Awards
Study shows unplanned pregnancy rates
One ISU student describes experience of having a child, attending class
By Summer Gladden
Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: Campus
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When Ashley Melville went to the doctor's office in September, she planned to ask the physician about different types of birth control methods. She and her boyfriend of two years were engaging in sex regularly, and she hoped to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. After making her request, a nurse asked her to urinate in a cup so that as a precaution she could be tested for pregnancy. When the nurse returned with unexpected news, Melville couldn't believe the result.
She was pregnant.
At first, she was shocked, she said.
She didn't believe she would get pregnant because her sexual relationship with her boyfriend had been going on for more than two years.
Eventually, the shock gave way to nervousness about raising a baby and telling her parents and her boyfriend about the pregnancy.
According to a study completed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University student Wendi Story, Melville is just one of the increasing number of college students who engage in sexual intercourse.
Story's study suggests as many as 24 percent of college women have experienced an unplanned pregnancy.
Most of these unplanned pregnancies were not a result of promiscuity, but occurred during a committed relationship. The study concludes that birth rates are highest among females between the ages of 20 and 24, and that the number of births to unmarried women is rising.
Melville, 21, an ISU junior majoring in criminology and psychology, found out she was pregnant about two weeks before she turned 21.
"I thought, 'What am I going to do? I have no money and still have to finish school'," Melville said.
When she finally told her family about her pregnancy, they were excited, but her parents insisted that she finish school.
Initially, one of Melville's biggest concerns about being pregnant was when she would have the baby. Her due date was April 15.
"I was really worried that I'll go into labor during class or right before finals," she said.
Melville talked to her teachers about her pregnancy early in the semester, and they were understanding, she said.
She was pregnant.
At first, she was shocked, she said.
She didn't believe she would get pregnant because her sexual relationship with her boyfriend had been going on for more than two years.
Eventually, the shock gave way to nervousness about raising a baby and telling her parents and her boyfriend about the pregnancy.
According to a study completed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University student Wendi Story, Melville is just one of the increasing number of college students who engage in sexual intercourse.
Story's study suggests as many as 24 percent of college women have experienced an unplanned pregnancy.
Most of these unplanned pregnancies were not a result of promiscuity, but occurred during a committed relationship. The study concludes that birth rates are highest among females between the ages of 20 and 24, and that the number of births to unmarried women is rising.
Melville, 21, an ISU junior majoring in criminology and psychology, found out she was pregnant about two weeks before she turned 21.
"I thought, 'What am I going to do? I have no money and still have to finish school'," Melville said.
When she finally told her family about her pregnancy, they were excited, but her parents insisted that she finish school.
Initially, one of Melville's biggest concerns about being pregnant was when she would have the baby. Her due date was April 15.
"I was really worried that I'll go into labor during class or right before finals," she said.
Melville talked to her teachers about her pregnancy early in the semester, and they were understanding, she said.
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