[adpiucf]

So based on posts, it appears the primary reason most conservative campuses would hesitate to bid a pregnant PNM are:

1) Fear of slanderous gossip about the chapter and rumors about their members
2) Concern that a young mother would not fit with the culture of the chapter, making her and others uncomfortable
3) Concern that the woman could not fulfill membership obligations or would not be as involved as another woman might be

I think these are legitimate concerns that any chapter has during recruitment-- and not just regarding pregnant PNMS. We worry that the members we recruit will be ones that fit in, pay dues on time, show up to events and go above and beyond as members, and that they won't give others cause to question the chapter's reputation.

That is why it is important to meet PNMs face to face and hold several days of events and cuts-- to create a new member class who can fulfill membership obligations AND fits in with your chapter's exisiting culture.

Can a pregnant young woman (married or unmarried, with or without other young children) meet these obligations and fit in? Of course. But it just depends on the campus and chapter culture. If I was a collegiate member, I don't know that I would be comfortable recruiting a new mom. That is my bias. But I'm just one member, and one member's opinion doesn't determine a chapter bid list! (Lord help us if it did!)

Being pregnant isn't a curse, but there is a long-standing stigma associated with unwed mothers/to-be. It has come a long way, and still has a long way to go. Chapters have the right to cut anyone they do not think will be a fit for their chapter, and PNM's have the right to cut sororities where they don't feel they fit.

As KDLady00 pointed out (by the way, your son is adorable!), there's a big difference between getting pregnant once you're in the chapter as a new member or initiated member, and being a potential member hoping to get a bid. We will always rally to support a sister in need, any need-- We look out for each other and take care of one another.