Pregnancy Prevention

Pregnancies are preventable! There are three things that are needed to create a pregnancy: sperm cells, egg cells, and the uterus (sometimes we call that the pregnancy equation). Pregnancy prevention involves different tools and approaches to make sure those three components don’t meet. ​By eliminating one or more of those components, pregnancies can be prevented. Read more to learn about pregnancy prevention methods (which are sometimes also called birth control)!

Your rights

In Illinois, someone 12 years old or older can access pregnancy prevention methods without their parent’s or guardian’s knowledge or permission.

However, it can help to talk to a trusted adult when making decisions about taking care of yourself. We encourage you to have a conversation with an adult you trust if you feel safe doing so.

Learn more about different types of pregnancy prevention

Access pregnancy prevention

CPS Condom Availability Program

Students in CPS, grades 5-12, should have access to free condoms. Condoms are provided at no cost by the Chicago Department of Public Health in an ongoing effort to mitigate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and unintended pregnancy among CPS students. Condoms must be made available for students to freely take if they choose and should be located somewhere that is accessible. Ask your school counselor, a teacher, or any staff member at your school to learn where the condoms are in your school. 

If your school doesn't have condoms available contact CPS's Office of Student Health & Wellness, 773-553-KIDS (5437), OSHW@CPS.EDU.

These are clinics in Chicago-area where people can get access to pregnancy prevention and other reproductive health services for free or low-cost.

Communication

When making decisions about pregnancy prevention, it's important to communicate about those decisions with partners.