WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed H.R. 6914, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which will require colleges and universities to inform pregnant students of their rights and of the resources available on campus to ensure no woman feels forced to choose between motherhood and pursuing her education.
Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) made the following statement on the House Floor ahead of the bill’s passage: "Pursuing knowledge and having children—these are two virtues that carry immense social value and should be celebrated. I say should because, as is more often the case, modern society holds them in conflict with one another. Pregnant students should not be faced with the dilemma that their academic and future success must be sacrificed to an unplanned pregnancy. Data show carrying a child to term does not have to hinder one’s educational journey. As a woman who understands the strength and resilience of other women, I found it unsurprising that student mothers outperform their childless peers in the classroom. … With more people entering college at every station of life, it is critical that we pass the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. All students should know the rights and protections available to them, including young pregnant women."
Requires colleges and universities to inform prospective and enrolled students on the rights and resources, including protections and accommodations, available for pregnant students while enrolled at the institution, as a condition of Title IV funding.
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 university websites, and at student health or counseling centers.
Requires universities to inform students how to file a Title IX complaint with the Department of Education or with the institution if a student believes that her Title IX rights were violated.
