Pregnant & Parenting Students

Parenthood is not the end of the road for teen moms. Quite to the contrary, motherhood can serve as an educational motivator for many young women. Unfortunately, educational barriers and discrimination often thwart this drive and determination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the landmark law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Every pregnant and parenting student should know that Title IX regulations require that pregnant and parenting students have equal access to schools and activities, that all separate programs for pregnant or parenting students be completely voluntary, and that schools must excuse absences that are due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as is deemed medically necessary by the students physician. Despite Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination, there are schools across the country that continue to bar pregnant and parenting students from activities, kick them out of school, pressure them to attend alternative programs, and penalize them for pregnancy-related absences. NWLC is working to ensure that Title IX’s  mandate of equal treatment for pregnant and parenting students is enforced and to encourage schools to help them graduate ready for college and careers.

Resources for Students, Parents, & Educators

Recent Cases & Legislation

Highlights

reports overview | A Pregnancy Test for Schools: The Impact of Education Laws on Pregnant and Parenting Students

June 18, 2012
Pregnancy Test report cover

Parenthood is not the end of the road for teen moms. Quite to the contrary, motherhood can serve as an educational motivator for many young women. Unfortunately, educational barriers and discrimination often thwart this drive and determination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the landmark law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Despite Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination, there are schools across the country that continue to bar pregnant and parenting students from activities, kick them out of school, pressure them to attend alternative programs, and penalize them for pregnancy-related absences.

A Pregnancy Test for Schools outlines the ways that federal, state, and local laws, policies, and programs can change the landscape for pregnant and parenting students and ranks how well the state laws and policies address the needs of these students. Read more...

Webinars & Presentations | Ask the Experts: Pregnancy-Based Harassment in Schools

March 9, 2012

The National Women's Law Center's "Ask the Experts" series was launched in February 2012 to help people like YOU get answers about issues that matter to you.

This edition answers the following question: "After I became pregnant, people at my school started harassing me and calling me names like 'slut' and 'whore.' Is there something I can do to stop this?"

Watch below to see an NWLC expert answer.  For more information on the rights of pregnant and parenting students, click here.

 Read more...

Webinars & Presentations | Ask the Experts: Title IX and Pregnant and Parenting Students

March 9, 2012

The National Women's Law Center's "Ask the Experts" series was launched in February 2012 to help people like YOU get answers about issues that matter to you.

This edition answers the following question: "I'm a pregnant student. Can my school force me to attend an alternative school or program?"

 Read more...

Fact Sheet | Pregnancy Harassment Is Sexual Harassment: FAQs About Title IX and Pregnancy Harassment

January 17, 2012

This fact sheet answers common questions about sexual harassment and pregnancy.  Harassment because of pregnancy, any related medical conditions, or recovery therefrom, is always sex discrimination.  If you’re experiencing harassment because you’re pregnant or have been pregnant, Title IX can protect you.  Title IX prohibits other types of pregnancy discrimination too (such as not excusing pregnancy-related absences).

 Read more...

More Resources

Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act

August 05, 2011

Teen parents face enormous barriers to success in school. The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act (PPSAE) provides states and school districts with the necessary framework and resources to support pregnant and parenting students and ensure that they have equal access to educational opportunities.  This fact sheet outlines key provisions of the bill and provides background information on pregnant and parenting students in the U.S. 

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Fact Sheet | Pregnant and Parenting Students' Rights: FAQs for College and Graduate Students

July 21, 2011

If you are a pregnant or parenting student, you should know that under Title IX, you have a right to stay in school so you can meet your education and career goals. Below are answers to frequently asked questions from students in post-secondary schools, including colleges, community colleges, universities, for-profit institutions, trade schools, etc.

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Fact Sheet | What Would a Successful, Safe and Healthy School Look Like for Girls?

June 22, 2011

This fact sheet describes areas of focus for schools in order to ensure that all girls have access to a safe and healthy school environment that is conducive to learning.   Schools should address the needs of at-risk girls, including pregnant and parenting students, foster girls' athletic opportunities, protect girls from bullying and harassment, use positive, evidence-based approaches to discipline, provide comprehensive and medically-accurate sex education, and ensure transparency, in order to engage parents and the community members.

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Legal Briefs & Testimony | Letter to Michigan Dept. of Education re: Guidelines for Homebound and Hospitalized Services for Public School Students

February 10, 2011

We write on behalf of the National Women’s Law Center to urge the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to revise its guidelines on homebound and hospitalized services for public school students, which conflict with Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in any program of a school that receives federal funds, and its implementing regulations. It has come to our attention that MDE Guidelines expressly exclude pregnant and parenting students from homebound instructional services in violation of Title IX. The current Michigan guidelines have also encouraged local school districts to also violate Title IX by excluding pregnant and parenting students from essential services.

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Webinars & Presentations | If You Really Care about Educational Equity, You Should Care about Reproductive Justice

October 20, 2010

A webinar with Jill Morisson (senior counsel, NWLC) and Lara Kaufmann (senior counsel, NWLC).

Watch the full webinar.

 Read more...