Pregnancy Options

Information for anyone considering abortion... 

A Note on Terminology:

An abortion terminates (ends) an existing pregnancy. 

Plan B (emergency contraception) does not terminate an existing pregnancy but rather prevents a pregnancy from occurring, if taken properly within 72 hours after unprotected sex.  

Plan B is available at the Sex Health Vending Machine in the lower level of the Tufts Campus Center for $15, or by contacting Health Services. The vending machine also provides free internal condoms, external condoms, latex-free condoms, dental dams, and lube. 

Abortion Chatbot

Click here to access a private and secure chatbot that can guide you through abortion options (in English or Spanish). After you tell it your zip code, it will offer you "personalized abortion options, including information about different abortion care methods, nearby clinics, accessing abortion pills, and referrals to support services. It's a user-friendly, judgment-free, and confidential tool designed by abortion experts for abortion seekers."

Types of Abortions  

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill or chemical abortion, is a pregnancy termination process that involves taking two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The FDA has approved its use for up to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions. There are 2 types of surgical abortions: 

• Aspiration abortion: It is performed up to 14 weeks after their last period. 
• Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion: It is typically performed at 14 or 16 weeks or after. 

Law and Regulations 

Nothing printed here should be relied upon as legal or medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only. 

Laws regarding abortion are changing quickly and constantly in the United States. There are several resources trying to track state-by-state guidance as it evolves in real time, such as the Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/abortion/state-policies-abortion. We encourage you to check your home state laws and the laws where you are seeking services if you are considering an abortion. There is also a State-by-State Guide on abortionfinder.org to get information about what to expect and where to locate abortion support resources and assistance. 

Right now (March 2023), American abortion laws vary state to state. Some states outlaw abortion medication, surgical abortions, and/or Plan B (emergency contraception). So, the first thing to do is check your state laws. Currently, under Massachusetts law, abortion and Plan B are legal and your health information is protected by law. 

Even if you go to school in Massachusetts, you still need to pay attention to local laws in your home state and any other state in which you may want to access reproductive healthcare. 

For example, if you had a telehealth appt with Tufts Health Services while in a different state over break, their ability to answer your questions could depend on the laws where you live. 

Pay attention to the communication platforms you use to seek services. For example, Facebook and Instagram can be subpoenaed. (That means your state could legally ask them for your communications with a court order.) Some resources encourage phone calls versus DMs and no physical/paper copies of materials. 

Legal Hotline: 

Massachusetts officially launched an Abortion Legal Hotline.  

☎️ What is it? The hotline, provides free and confidential legal advice to patients and providers seeking abortion care in the commonwealth.  

☎️ Who’s behind it? The hotline was created in a collaboration between the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, the Attorney General’s Office, the Women’s Bar Foundation, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and five law firms that will offer pro bono services. 

☎️ Why create it? The overturning of Roe v. Wade obliterated abortion access in states across the country. But Mass. lawmakers have been working to increase abortion access for pregnant people both in- and out-of-state, especially as some have tried to make crossing state lines for an abortion illegal.  

Last summer, Mass. passed a law protecting providers and people seeking abortions from legal action taken by states with more restrictive laws. This hotline is meant to build off that legislation, offering those seeking or providing an abortion with a clear understanding of how they are protected under the law.  

☎️ Who can use it? Anyone. You don’t have to be a Mass. resident.  

☎️ How do you use it? Just call or message the hotline at (833)309-6301 and leave specific call-back instructions. They recommend using an encrypted communications platform like Signal, if you can. Someone will contact you within two to three business days to gather your legal questions and info and pass it along to their pro bono attorneys.  

Note: The people answering the hotline can’t immediately provide legal (or medical) advice. They’re just in charge of gathering your questions and information. 

What to Expect - Medical Abortion/Pill 

An abortion pill is used during the ten weeks after the first day of someone's most recent menstrual period. 

There are 2 pills — one to take at the clinic, and the other to take at home. 

Information on how to prepare and what to expect when taking the second pill will be provided at the time of the appointment, but you should plan to be resting in a comfortable place.   

Most people experience some cramping and bleeding. Some also experience breast soreness, vaginal discharge, and/or fatigue. 

After an abortion is finished, it is recommended you avoid heavy work or exercise for several days, but most people are able to resume normal activities by the next day.   

The aftercare information will be provided at the appointment as well and the provider can answer any questions. 

What to expect – Surgical/In-Clinic: 

In Massachusetts, someone can have an in-clinic (aka "surgical abortion") up to twenty weeks and six days after the first day of their most recent menstrual period. 

There are usually two visits: one for counseling and physical exams, and one for the procedure.  

Before the abortion, the provider will walk you through what to expect, and you will have to sign some forms.  

Most abortions take between 5-20 minutes depending on how many weeks it's been since your period. 

Afterwards, you will wait in a recovery room until you feel better — this can take up to an hour.   

Most people experience some cramping or bleeding after a surgical abortion, but many are able to resume normal activities as soon as the next day.   

You will be given aftercare information at the appointment as well and will be able to ask the provider any questions you may have. 

Tufts Health Services: 

Tufts Health Services does not provide abortions. Health Services staff can help educate you about your options, refer you to a local clinic, and provide other sexual health services (like STI testing).  

If you need a physical exam (eg. STI testing, pregnancy test, etc.) with Health Services, call 617-627-3350 or use the student portal. If you are looking to discuss pregnancy options, ask questions about your health, and/or get a referral, you can go to dev-tufts-care.pantheonsite.io to schedule a consultation with a medical sex health expert. 

Providers near the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus that provide abortions. 

Planned Parenthood (6 miles from Tufts) * In network provider for Tufts student health insurance 

1055 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 295-7235 

Women's Health Services (7 miles from Tufts) *In network provider for Tufts student health insurance 

111 Harvard St
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 277-0009
*note on their name: this clinic provides abortion services for trans + NB people as well 

Tufts Medical Center (8 miles from Tufts) 

800 Washington Street 
North Mezzanine, Main Entrance
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 636-2229 

Booking An Appointment 

Calling clinics to book appointments in advance is important, because availability at your nearest clinic might be limited, and there may be a wait.  

Don't put a request for an abortion in a DM or through any third party platform. Your confidentiality is most protected over the phone or in person. 

Paying With Tufts Student Health Insurance: 

If you have Tufts student health insurance, abortion is covered by providers that accept Tufts student health insurance. The providers that accept your insurance are considered “in-network.” If you go to an in-network provider (noted in the list of clinics above), there is a $20 copay, meaning that you’ll need to pay $20 when you arrive at your appointment. After the provider completes the abortion, they will bill your Tufts student health insurance for the full cost of the abortion. You will need to pay the first $100 of this cost, plus 20% of the total cost. Your insurance will pay the rest. For questions about Tufts student health insurance, you can contact Health Services at 617-627-3350 or via the student portal. 

Tufts Student Health Insurance can be used in Massachusetts and elsewhere. The insurance coverage of abortion is not limited based on geography although laws may limit a person’s ability to access services in certain states/areas. 

Paying With Non-Tufts Insurance: 

To figure out if your insurance covers abortions, you can call the number on your insurance card to talk to your insurance provider.  

If your insurance does cover abortion, there may be privacy protection policies for dependents. (You’re a “dependent” if you're on your parent’s/guardian’s insurance.) This means that it may be possible for you to get an abortion without your parent or guardian finding out about it via their insurance statement. This is something you can ask your insurance agency about by calling the number on the back of your health insurance card. 

Guttmacher Institute and Bedsider both have great resources for decoding your insurance plan too. 

Paying Without Using Insurance: 

If you can't afford to pay for the procedure, travel, or other costs, or you do not want to use your parent’s/guardian’s insurance, there are organizations who can help. 

The Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund helps cover people who live in or are travelling to the Boston area for their abortions.  

To contact them for funding, call (617) 354-3839 and follow their instructions. They return calls within 48hrs. When they call back it'll be from a blocked number.   

Something to look out for: 

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are organizations that offer pregnancy-related services such as counseling and support, but whose goal is to dissuade people from having abortions. Here are a few tips for determining if an organization is a CPC: 

• Check their website. Many CPCs have websites that share their anti-abortion agenda. 
• Ask questions. When contacting a pregnancy-related organization, ask them directly if they are a CPC and what their stance is on abortion. If they don’t really answer, or their answers make you uncomfortable, you can choose to seek services somewhere else. 
• Know your rights. You have the right to medically accurate and unbiased information about your pregnancy and your options. If you feel at any point like a provider is refusing to give you information or trying to persuade you to make a specific choice, you have the right to leave without explanation and find somewhere else to receive care. 

The providers listed above are reliable healthcare providers and not CPCs. 

FAQs: 

Can I bring a friend? 

Yes, absolutely. You may actually be encouraged to bring someone with you if you're being given medication during the procedure.  

Will it hurt? 

Pain during an abortion varies from person to person. For some, it's just a little discomfort — others find it painful. Most people find abortion pain similar to strong period cramps. 

When will I get my next period after an abortion? 

Most people get their period between 4-8 weeks after the abortion, depending on if they're using birth control (and which method.) The abortion provider can discuss yours specific birth control situation with you. 

How soon can I have sex after an abortion? 

Sex (penetrative or otherwise) is on the same timeline as resuming other normal activity after an abortion — that means whenever someone feels ready after that first day. If you have specific concerns or questions, you should ask your healthcare provider.   

A Closing Note: 

This is a lot of information! However you are feeling right now is okay.  

If you want to talk through your options and/or have someone walk through this information with you in person, you can make a confidential appointment with any CARE staff member at dev-tufts-care.pantheonsite.io

Information for anyone considering adoption... 

A few notes: 

• Many of the resources/websites about adoption use language such as "birth mother" and are not gender-inclusive. 
• Many adoption resources/websites assume the pregnant person is choosing to identify with the concept of “parent” as in “birth parent” or “first parent.” 
• Most generic adoption google searches are designed for people looking to adopt a child rather than those looking to find adoptive parents for a child. 

Types of Adoptions and Plans: 

There are two types of adoptions: 

• an independent/private adoption  
• an agency adoption 

With either type of adoption, you get to decide what adoption plan you want. 

• Closed (no contact between you and the child/adoptive family)
• Open (regular contact between you and the child/adoptive family)
• Semi-open (usually this means updates can be sent through a 3rd party but there is not direct contact between you and the child/adoptive family). 

Laws and Regulations: 

The adoption process is guided by laws and regulations from start to finish. There are state and federal laws that apply for adoptive families and the person who gave birth. All adoptions require an adoption attorney to complete the legal services.  

If you choose to work with an adoption agency rather than have an independent or private adoption, they can coordinate adoption attorney services for you, and you will not need to hire an adoption attorney separately. If you choose an independent or private adoption, you will need to hire an adoption attorney. Some attorneys offer the first session free, some are paid by the adoptive parent(s), and some you may need to pay. Use https://adoptionart.org/attorney-listings-by-state/ to find an adoption attorney in your state, and be sure to ask about their pricing before scheduling an appointment. 

An Independent/Private Adoption: 

If someone you know is interested in adopting the child, an independent or private adoption may make sense for you. An independent or private adoption is when the child is placed directly with adoptive parent(s) without a public adoption agency being involved. 

Because of the laws surrounding adoptions, if you choose an independent/private adoption, you will need to hire an adoption attorney. Independent adoption attorneys or private adoption agencies will deal with the legal side of the adoption but will not locate the potential adopting parents for you. So, again, this option might make sense if you already know who will adopt the child. 

Almost all U.S. states have laws governing the fees and expenses that adoptive parents are expected to pay when arranging a private or independent adoption. 

The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) is an organization of over 500 attorneys who work on these topics. You can use this attorney finder to locate one in your state: https://adoptionart.org/attorney-listings-by-state/. 

An Agency Adoption 

If you want support finding adoptive parents, using an adoption agency may be a good option. There are many types of adoption agencies: private and foster care agencies, local and national agencies, domestic and international agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit agencies.  

Each type of adoption agency will offer a range of different services for people looking to adopt and for pregnant people considering adoption. 

At an adoption agency, you will be assigned a counselor that will work with you from start to finish. 

Services can include:  

• counseling,  
• financial assistance,  
• medical care,  
• legal representation,  
• matching with an adoptive parent/s, adoption plans and  
• meetings with the adoptive parent/s. 

To find an adoption agency: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/adoptive/finding-agency/ 

For a list of national and local Boston adoption agencies and attorneys: https://www.americanadoptions.com/massachusetts-adoption/boston-adoption  

Something to Watch Out For: 

If a person from an adoption agency (or anyone else) wants to complete the transaction “under the table,” do not continue the adoption with them. This is illegal. There needs to be a paper trail of every transaction in the adoption process, whether financial, legal, or otherwise. 

It is always illegal to "exchange" a baby for money. This is considered human trafficking and is a federal crime that you could be prosecuted for. 

A closing note: 

This is a lot of information! However you are feeling right now is okay.  

If you want to talk through your options and/or have someone walk through this information with you in person, you can make a confidential appointment with any CARE staff member at dev-tufts-care.pantheonsite.io. 

For anyone considering continuing their pregnancy...

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES DURING PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant while attending Tufts University, you have the right to access accommodations and support to help you continue your education while also caring for yourself and your pregnancy. The following resources can ensure you have access to the care and support you need. 

Health Services 

Tufts Health Services provides gynecological care and family planning services for students. If you are continuing your pregnancy, they will refer you to local providers for prenatal care and to other specialists as needed. Health Services can also provide information about insurance and financial assistance options. To talk to someone at Health Services or to make an appointment, call 617-627-3350 or use the student portal. 

Financial Aid Office 

If you are experiencing financial hardship because of costs related to pregnancy, Tufts may be able to provide financial assistance through grants, scholarships, or emergency loans. While the office has no standard policy for addressing pregnancy, a Financial Aid Counselor can discuss your situation with you one-on-one. Counselors are assigned to students based on their degree program and last name. Find yours and make a virtual appointment with them at https://students.tufts.edu/financial-services/about/contacts or call the Financial Aid Office at 617-627-2000.

Office of Residential Life and Learning 

Tufts University does not currently have specific policies regarding student housing for pregnant students and does not offer family housing. However, ORLL is committed to supporting students and providing appropriate housing accommodations whenever possible. For questions about housing changes related to pregnancy, you can reach the ORLL at 617-627-3248 or studentservices@tufts.edu. 

Counseling and Mental Health Services 

CMHS provides free, confidential counseling to Tufts students. They can provide support and resources for students who are dealing with the emotional challenges of pregnancy. To schedule an appointment, call 617-627-3360, use the student portal, or make an appointment at https://students.tufts.edu/health-wellness/mental-health/counseling-and-mental-health-service.  

Office of Equal Opportunity 

OEO can provide information and support related to pregnancy discrimination and accommodations. To contact OEO, call 617-627-3298 or email oeo@tufts.edu or accommodations.oeo@tufts.edu. 

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR PREGNANCY AND BIRTH 

Below are the five biggest hospitals in the Boston area that are leading providers in OB/GYN (pregnancy and birth) care. Providers at these hospitals can support you from pregnancy to birth and beyond. They offer services such as childbirth classes, midwives, nursing support, and more – follow the links or call the numbers below to learn more about what each hospital offers.  

(Please note that some of these hospitals’ websites refer to “women’s health” and are not gender-inclusive with their language. Whether a hospital’s website’s language is inclusive or not does not necessarily reflect the practices of the individual providers at each hospital.) 

The following hospitals are ranked highly based on reputation, expertise, and patient outcomes. However, they are by no means the only places to access OB/GYN care in the Boston area. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. You are welcome to do your own research to find the best hospital or medical provider for your specific situation. 

Insurance can cover prenatal care, gynecology, birth, etc. Large hospitals take many different types of insurance, but be sure to check with your insurance provider before making an appointment by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. There are also hospital staff such as social workers who can review costs and insurance with you. If you don’t have insurance, of the hospitals below, Boston Medical Center will still provide you care. 

Brigham and Women’s Hospital 

This hospital has multiple locations around the Boston area along with affiliated OB/GYN practices and health centers. You can find a doctor, request an appointment, see their locations, and learn about the full range of their services at https://www.brighamandwomens.org/obgyn or by calling 800-294-9999. 

Massachusetts General Hospital 

This hospital’s main OB/GYN offices are located at 32 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114.  There are also additional locations around the greater Boston area. You can find a doctor, request an appointment, see their locations, and learn about the full range of their services at https://www.massgeneral.org/obgyn or by calling 617-724-2229.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 

This hospital’s OB/GYN offices are located at 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215. You can find a doctor, request an appointment, and learn about the full range of their services at https://www.bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology or by calling 617-667-4600. 

Boston Medical Center 

This hospital’s OB/GYN offices are located at 1 Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118. You can find a doctor, request an appointment, and learn about the full range of their services at https://www.bmc.org/department-obstetrics-and-gynecology or by calling 617-414-2000.

Tufts Medical Center 

This hospital has OB/GYN offices in Boston located at 800 Washington Street, North Building, Boston, MA 02111. You can find a doctor, request an appointment, and learn about the full range of their services at https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/patient-care-services/departments-and-services/obstetrics-and-gynecology/overview or by calling 617-636-2229. 

A Closing Note: 

This is a lot of information! However you are feeling right now is okay.  

If you want to talk through your options and/or have someone walk through this information with you in person, you can make a confidential appointment with any CARE staff member at dev-tufts-care.pantheonsite.io. 

For anyone considering parenting...

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES WHILE PARENTING 

If you are parenting while attending Tufts University, you have the right to access accommodations and support to help you continue your education while also caring for yourself and your child. The following resources can help you balance your academic responsibilities with your parenting responsibilities and ensure you have access to the care and support you need. 

Health Services 

Tufts Health Services provides healthcare for parenting and non-parenting students. Health Services cannot provide care for your child. They can refer you to local providers, like a pediatrician for your child, and other specialists as needed. Health Services can also provide information about insurance and financial assistance options. To talk to someone at Health Services or to make an appointment, call 617-627-3350 or use the student portal. 

Health Insurance 

If you have Tufts student health insurance, you can add your child as a dependent. That means they will be covered by your health insurance policy. For instructions on how to enroll your child as a new dependent on your policy, go to https://tufts.app.box.com/v/hw-enroll-dependents-online.  

Lactation Rooms 

Any student who is nursing can use the Tufts University lactation rooms which are located around all Tufts campuses. To read the Tufts lactation policy, reserve a room, and/or request a lactation accommodation, go to https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/pregnancy-and-lactation-policies/lactation/. 

Financial Aid Office 

If you are experiencing financial hardship because of costs related to parenting, Tufts may be able to provide financial assistance through grants, scholarships, or emergency loans. While the office has no standard policy for addressing parenting, a Financial Aid Counselor can discuss your situation with you one-on-one. Counselors are assigned to students based on their degree program and last name. Find yours and make a virtual appointment with them at https://students.tufts.edu/financial-services/about/contacts or call the Financial Aid Office at 617-627-2000.

Office of Residential Life and Learning 

Tufts University does not currently have specific policies regarding student housing for parenting students and does not offer family housing. However, ORLL is committed to supporting students and providing appropriate housing accommodations whenever possible. For questions about housing changes related to parenting, you can reach the ORLL at 617-627-3248 or studentservices@tufts.edu. 

Counseling and Mental Health Services 

CMHS provides free, confidential counseling to Tufts students. They can provide support and resources for students who are dealing with the emotional challenges of parenting. To schedule an appointment, call 617-627-3360, use the student portal, or make an appointment at https://students.tufts.edu/health-wellness/mental-health/counseling-and-mental-health-service.  

The Eliot Pearson Children’s School 

The Eliot Pearson Children’s School is a “laboratory-demonstration program” of the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts. Located on the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus, this school provides early education and care programs to children aged 2 years and 9 months to 7 years. For more information about this program and their admission process, visit https://sites.tufts.edu/eliotpearsonchildrensschool/.   

Other things to note: 

Students are not permitted to bring their child(ren) to class. 

There are a few changing tables in bathrooms around campus, but most on-campus restrooms do not have changing tables.
 

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR CHILD CARE 

Another factor to consider as you contemplate becoming a parent is child care. It is important to start your search for childcare as soon as you decide to continue the pregnancy.  

There are many different types of child care. You could choose in-home care with a nanny, babysitter, or relative; a family day care; or a center-based program. Some child care places will put you on a waitlist and contact you closer to the date you would actually be needing the child care; other places will put you on a waitlist and let you know as soon as they have an opening. 

To find a child care provider, you can search via the Massachusetts licensed child care search at https://childcare.mass.gov/findchildcare. 

A Closing Note: 

This is a lot of information! However you are feeling right now is okay.  

If you want to talk through your options and/or have someone walk through this information with you in person, you can make a confidential appointment with any CARE staff member at dev-tufts-care.pantheonsite.io.