UMass Boston

General Medicine
All departmental services are located in the Quinn Administration Building, 2nd floor.
Phone: 617-287-5660
Fax: 617-287-3977
Counseling Center

24/7 Crisis Phone Support
855.634.4135

Phone: 617.287.5690
Fax: 617.287.5507
Health & Wellness

Choices Regarding Pregnancy

Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Understanding your health and making informed decisions are essential parts of your wellness journey. University Health Services (UHS) is committed to providing confidential, compassionate, and comprehensive care for your sexual and reproductive health needs. We are here to support you with education, resources, and clinical services for all your choices regarding pregnancy. 

Our Services at a Glance

UMass Boston students have access to confidential, safe, and effective care directly at University Health Services. To schedule or learn more, please use your My Health Beacon Portal or call (617) 287-5660. 

Pregnancy

If you are trying to get pregnant, University Health Services can assist with urine and blood pregnancy testing, prenatal vitamins, early pregnancy information, and referrals for prenatal care.

Pregnancy Prevention

We offer the following services:

  • Birth Control & Contraception: Counseling and options including oral contraceptives, the NuvaRing, Depo-Provera shots, as well as off-campus referrals for Nexplanon, IUDs, and diaphragms. 

  • Free Emergency Contraception: Also known as the morning-after pill, counseling and prescriptions are available to students free of charge. This medication is timely, so please call the front desk at (617) 287-5660 to book an appointment as soon as possible.

    • If you would like to have access to emergency contraception to have for future planning, we offer free emergency contraception through:

      • Emergency Contraception Dispenser: Located in the East Residence Hall Lobby. *If empty, please call UHS at (617) 287-5660.

      • sExpress Safer Sex Program: Read more about the free safer sex product delivery and pick-up program and place an order now here.

    • If you have had unprotected intercourse and none of the above options are available, we recommend purchasing Plan B (use the locator here).
  • Pregnancy Testing: We offer confidential testing, options counseling, and early pregnancy information. 

Abortion Services

  • Medication Abortion: Available at University Health Services for pregnancies up to 11 weeks. The procedure involves taking two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) to end a pregnancy, similar to an early miscarriage.
    • Call (617) 287-5660 to schedule a confidential appointment.

  • Surgical Abortion: We provide referrals for surgical abortions and for pregnancies over 11 weeks. 

Other Reproductive & Sexual Health Services

  • Evaluations: We offer routine evaluations (such as Pap tests and follow-ups) and symptomatic evaluations (such as menstruation-related concerns, pelvic pain, and painful sex symptoms).

  • HPV Vaccinations: We provide the vaccine that helps prevent five types of cancer.

  • PrEP & PEP: We provide HIV prevention medications and counseling.

  • STI Testing & Treatment: We offer confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, syphilis, and more.
    • Symptomatic and Exposure Cases: If you are symptomatic and/or exposed to an STI, please call (617) 287-5660 to book a timely appointment.
    • Asymptomatic Cases: If you are looking for routine testing, please book through your My Health Beacon Portal or call (617) 287-5660.

Making a Decision

Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, it is a personal and private matter. It's okay to feel conflicted, and it may be helpful to explore your options before making a decision. See below for on and off-campus resources to support you and your choices.

 

Digital Privacy & Security

In a digital world, your searches and online activities can be tracked. To protect yourself and maintain your privacy, we recommend these tips:

  • Private Browsers: Use browsers and search engines with strong privacy settings, such as DuckDuckGo, Firefox, and Brave.
  • Disable Tracking: Turn off browser features related to site data, cookies, caching, and browser history.
  • Secure Communications: Use a separate phone number (Google Voice, Hushed, Burner) and secure email (Tutanota, ProtonMail). Use apps like Signal for end-to-end encrypted messaging. 
  • Mobile Privacy: Review privacy settings on your phone and health apps. Choose apps with strong privacy policies or track manually.

Additional Resources

Support & Decision-Making

If you are pregnant and conflicted, it may be best to proceed with steps for a healthy pregnancy in case you change your mind. Regardless, there are several resources for information and support in decision-making.

On-Campus Support

  • UHS General Medicine
  • UHS Counseling Center

Off-Campus Resources

Cost Considerations

Financial considerations are a valid part of your decision-making. Here are some general cost estimates:

  • Abortion: In Massachusetts, the cost is around $300-1,000. Some insurance plans provide coverage (according to Hey Jane). 
  • Contraception: Many methods are covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Long-Lasting Methods: IUDs and implants have a higher cost but are free or have negligible yearly costs, making them highly cost-effective over time.
  • Raising a Child in MA: Around $28,000 annually (according to NBC 10 WJAR).

Pregnancy Prevention

Services

  • UHS General Medicine Appointments: We offer education, counseling, and a range of options, including oral contraceptives, rings (NuvaRing), and shots (Depo-Provera).
    • We also provide referrals for implants (Nexplanon), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and diaphragms.

  • UHS sExpress Program: Discreet, fast, and free. Order safer sex supplies online and choose to pick up at UHS or have them delivered to your Parcel Pending locker (for on-campus residents). Orders processed within 7 business days. 

     

Place an Order Now!

  • UHS Plan B Dispenser: Free Plan B located in the East Residence Hall. If empty, please call our front desk at (617) 287-5660.

Resources & Websites

Pregnancy

Services

  • UHS General Medicine: If you are trying to get pregnant, University Health Services can assist with urine and blood pregnancy testing, prenatal vitamins, early pregnancy information, and referrals for prenatal care.

Resources

Abortion

Services

Talklines

Legal Support

Resources & Websites

General Medicine
All departmental services are located in the Quinn Administration Building, 2nd floor.
Phone: 617-287-5660
Fax: 617-287-3977
Counseling Center

24/7 Crisis Phone Support
855.634.4135

Phone: 617.287.5690
Fax: 617.287.5507
Health & Wellness