Pregnancy testing
Students seeking pregnancy testing can acquire a test in one of two ways:
At-home pregnancy testing
At-home pregnancy testing kits are available for sale at the Cornell Health pharmacy (tests are also available free of charge at the Women's Resource Center). Home pregnancy tests can detect a positive pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception, or around the time of a missed menstrual period; however, for a more accurate result, wait until after you’ve missed a period to take a test. These types of tests are approximately 99% effective when used correctly.
Pregnancy testing at Cornell Health
Pregnancy testing is also available at Cornell Health (free for students studying on the Ithaca campus). Walk-in appointments are often available, but we recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment (607-255-5155) or scheduling online through myCornellHealth.
In-office pregnancy tests are conducted by taking a urine sample that is sent to Cornell Health's lab. It takes about an hour to get results. You can wait for the results, or a nurse can call you once the report is back. (Pregnancy blood tests are also offered when clinically indicated.)
Pregnancy options referrals
Discovering you’re pregnant may be welcome news. It may also be an unwelcome surprise, or somewhere in the middle. Cornell Health supports your right to choose what happens next, and can provide you with the resources and support you need to take the next steps.
Continuing a pregnancy
If you want to continue your pregnancy – whether that means becoming a parent or finding an adoptive family – you may benefit from early-pregnancy information and resources. We can provide you with prenatal care information and help you connect with OB-GYN practices and midwifery services, either in Ithaca or in the location you desire. We can also help you connect with adoption resources if that is of interest to you.
- View our Early Pregnancy Guidelines fact sheet for health information
- To schedule an appointment with a medical provider, call us at 607-255-5155 or schedule online through myCornellHealth
- To speak with a referrals nurse for information about local OB-GYN practices, midwifery services, or adoption resources, call us at 607-255-5155 and ask to speak with a member of our Referrals team
Ending a pregnancy
If you want or need pregnancy termination, we can provide you with consultation, referrals, and emotional support.
Cornell Health does not provide abortion services. However, our medical providers can advise you about your options based on the stage of your pregnancy and your personal preferences, and can refer you to local, regional, or online providers whose expertise includes pregnancy termination.
Abortion is legal in New York State from conception through the 24th week of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion is legal if someone’s health or pregnancy is at risk. Both in-clinic and medication abortions are available in New York, depending on the number of weeks one's pregnancy has progressed.
- View our Termination of Pregnancy fact sheet for more information, and to learn about local abortion providers
- To schedule an appointment with a medical provider, call us at 607-255-5155 or schedule online through myCornellHealth
- To speak with a referrals nurse for information about local abortion providers, call us at 607-255-5155 and ask to speak with a member of our Referrals team
Emotional support
If you feel you could benefit from emotional support, or would like to talk through your options with a counselor, you can schedule an appointment with a member of our Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) team.
“Let’s Talk” drop-in consultation with CAPS providers are available without an appointment: see the Let's Talk schedule.
Campus-wide options for support can be found by visiting mentalhealth.cornell.edu.
If you would like to speak with someone anonymously about your options, feelings, or experiences, we recommend the All-Options Talkline: 1-888-493-0092.