Kellie Raddell, Staff Writer

A story of dedication and great love lies behind Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God. By saying yes, Mary chose to accept God’s will and welcome the life He gave to her. She put her life at risk in a time in which unwed pregnant women were outcasts and could even be stoned to death. Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plan should be a model to all of us in the challenges we face.

Our culture today is quite different than the culture in which Mary lived. Today, we are surrounded by shows such as “16 & Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” which portray teen pregnancy as something of a joke. Teen pregnancy is still a very prevalent issue today; it is an issue that is often overlooked even though it affects so many high school and college students.

Notre Dame students who become pregnant as undergraduates are often overwhelmed by fear of what others will think and how the University will handle the situation.  Thankfully, our Lady’s University is ready to care for students who are pregnant, much like God and Joseph provided for Mary. Notre Dame is unique from many other Catholic universities in that Du Lac strictly forbids premarital sex but also allows a safe refuge for girls dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.

When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would “conceive in her womb and bear a son,” he also calmed her fears with a message of peace and reassurance.Students who find out they are pregnant can also be reassured by the resources available to them. The Women’s Care Center in South Bend is close to campus and works closely with the university in providing free, reliable pregnancy tests.  If a test is positive, a counselor is always available.  On campus, the University Health Center also provides free pregnancy tests 24 hours a day.

On staff are two excellent Pregnancy Support Advocates who are willing to meet with students anywhere, on campus or off campus, for confidential guidance and support.  In addition, RAs, ARs, and Rectors are always available to provide a safe and confidential space to go and talk.  Their help in a situation always begins with an open heart and an open mind, ready to walk alongside the individuals involved.  Then, they are able to provide a plethora of opportunities and services for those involved through the University.

Like the angel that visited Joseph to guide him and help him discover how to best care for Mary, there is counseling available for men and women at the University Counseling Center.  Women can learn about what pregnancy is going to be like, receive nutritional guidance, and referrals to physicians in South Bend through the University Health Services. Men can also talk to a counselor on what to expect, how to deal with pressure from friends and family and what the next step should be.

Just as Mary stayed at her cousin Elizabeth’s, it is also possible to be mentored by a couple from South Bend who have recently had children.  Women always have the option of taking a leave of absence if they decide it is the best thing for them, but they are welcome to stay at Notre Dame, and should know that the University will do everything they can to help make adjustments to coursework, housing, etc.

It is important as a student body and as a pro-life university to make sure that we are accepting of all pregnant mothers.  No matter the circumstances, both the mother and unborn child need respect and care.  They are both important members of the Notre Dame family that should be celebrated for the joy and dignity that they bring to our community.  It is just as important to the pro-life cause that all babies are born into a world where there is support and care as it is to fight for the end to abortion.  Through promoting a culture on campus of respect and support for pregnant mothers, we can truly make a difference in promoting a culture of life.

Kellie is a senior at Notre Dame majoring in Psychology. She is looking forward to spending time with her family during Christmas. You can contact her at kraddell@nd.edu. For more information on supporting pregnancy, visit pregnancysupport.nd.edu.