Student-Parent Handbook: Student Pregnancy

As a Catholic school, Marist School honors and adheres to the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the unique place reserved for sexual expression, i.e., within marriage, and it recognizes the need to foster respect for one's own physical person and that of others, including abstinence from sexual activity until marriage. Marist students are expected to live modestly in accord with the Commandments and Gospel mandates.

In the event, though, that choices are made that result in pregnancy, Marist School will act to support the student parent (s), affirming the sacredness of new life and desiring to preserve that life. The school could never consider abortion an acceptable alternative and urges any student discovering she is pregnant, along with the baby's father, to continue the pregnancy to delivery of the child. Marist will allow the student's continued studies for as long as appropriate, at the discretion of the Principal and in consultatiom with the student and the student's parents.

In accord with the Archdiocese of Atlanta guidelines, Marist will encourage a student mother or father to take advantage of personal counseling in order to assist the student and the school in making the best decisions regarding becoming a parent and completing school work. If a pregnant student withdraws from regular attendance, Marist will assist in determining educational alternatives.