Lankford, Moody, and Colleagues Introduce Pregnant Students’ Rights Act to Protect Expectant Mothers on Campus

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) are supporting the right to life by introducing the Pregnant Students' Rights Act. This bill requires universities to inform pregnant students of their rights and protections that would allow them to carry a pregnancy to term without abandoning their academic career, such as modified class schedules, excused absences, and resources. The Senate is expected to hold a roll call vote on the legislation tomorrow following last week's March for Life in Washington.

"We should have a culture that supports both learning and life. No student should feel forced to choose between continuing their education and continuing a pregnancy," said Lankford. "The Pregnant Students' Rights Act ensures colleges clearly communicate the resources and protections already guaranteed under the law, so young women can stay in school, and succeed without fear of discrimination or abortion coercion. Simply allowing women to know their rights should not be controversial."

"Navigating college can be challenging, and unfortunately women who become pregnant can feel pressure choose between bringing life into this world or academic failure," said Moody. "No one should have to make this decision. My Pregnant Students' Rights Act ensures students know what resources and support are available to them to stay in school, succeed, and care for their new baby."

"Helping both moms and their babies is central to the pro-life movement. I'm grateful to Senator Moody for leading this legislation, which would ensure that pregnant college students have access to the support they need to carry their baby to term and to care for their child,"said Leader Thune.

Joining Lankford and Moody in introducing the legislation are Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) andSenators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jim Banks (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). The Pregnant Students' Rights Act is supported by Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and March for Life Action.

Background

The Pregnant Students' Rights Act amends the Higher Education Act to ensure all college students who are pregnant or may become pregnant know their rights and protections to carry a pregnancy to term, such as modified class schedules, excused absences, and more. The bill requires universities to inform students how to file a complaint with the US Department of Education (ED) if there is a violation of Title IX protections for pregnant students. The measure also ensures universities disseminate information regarding the rights and protections for pregnant students to carry a pregnancy to term through emails, student handbooks, at orientation, on publicly available websites, and at student health or counseling centers.

Information must include a list of campus resources to help pregnant students and new mothers, accommodations provided by the school for pregnant students and new mothers, and contact information for filing a discrimination complaint with ED or the school. These protections and options available to pregnant students include, and are not limited to, flexible class schedules, excused absences, and childcare assistance.

You can read the full bill text HERE.

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