Ibrahim Gardner
Becoming a parent while pursuing a college degree can be challenging, and many student parents choose not to continue their pregnancies. However, universities do accept pregnant students and are legally obligated to protect them from discrimination. For instance, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Act 4 of 2000) and Title IX in the US protect pregnant students and student parents, requiring accommodations and maternity leave. While policies vary across universities, some common accommodations include discounted childcare, family housing, and adjustments to internships and work-study programs. Students can also seek support from health centers and clinics near their schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legislation protecting pregnant students from discrimination | Title IX, The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Act 4 of 2000), Australian discrimination laws, Canadian Human Rights Act |
| Maternity leave and accommodations | Requirements vary by university, exemption forms are often used |
| Childcare | Some universities offer childcare at reduced rates, government subsidies may be available, and some universities provide family housing |
| Health insurance | Contraceptives and gynecological care may be covered, but availability varies by school |
| Abortion access | As of June 24, 2022, abortion services are illegal in at least 23 US states, but the abortion pill mifepristone can be dispensed by retail pharmacies |
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What You'll Learn
Legislation and discrimination laws protecting pregnant students
In the United States, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and parental status, in educational programs and activities. All public and private schools, colleges, and universities that receive Federal funding must comply with Title IX. Under Title IX, educational institutions must allow pregnant students to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities. They must also allow students to choose whether to participate in special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students. Title IX also protects pregnant students from harassment based on sex, including harassment due to pregnancy or related conditions. Schools must adopt grievance procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including discrimination related to pregnancy.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ensures that all students, including pregnant and parenting students, have equal educational opportunities. Students who believe that their school, college, or university is violating Federal law can contact the OCR or fill out a complaint form online.
In addition to Title IX, other Federal laws protect pregnant individuals from discrimination in employment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, prohibits sex discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees or applicants with limitations related to pregnancy, unless doing so causes an undue hardship. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees with disabilities, including pregnancy-related disabilities such as gestational diabetes. These laws are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
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On-campus housing for pregnant students
While some students who become pregnant during their time at university may choose not to continue their pregnancies, others may decide to continue their pregnancies and balance parenting with their studies. In the latter case, it is important to be aware of your rights as a pregnant student and the resources available to you.
In the US, Title IX protects pregnant students from discrimination in educational access. This means that schools that receive federal funding cannot discriminate against pregnant and/or parenting students. Schools are required to give pregnant and parenting students the same access to educational opportunities as other students. For example, instructors cannot penalize a student because of their parenting status, and special programs cannot deny a student due to their parenting status. Additionally, pregnant students cannot be kicked out of campus housing while pregnant, although they may be asked to move to family-friendly housing after giving birth.
If you are insured under your school's health plan, it is a good idea to find out what types of contraceptives and gynecological care are available to you. If your school does not have an on-staff gynecologist, you may need to seek treatment outside your institution. Planned Parenthood's "Find a Health Center" tool can help you find the nearest health center and the services they offer.
Some universities have on-campus housing specifically for pregnant and parenting students. For example, MiraVia offers a College Residence program that provides free pregnancy services and support for pregnant students in Charlotte, North Carolina. If your university does not have specific housing for pregnant students, you may need to look for off-campus housing. When searching for off-campus housing, it is important to prioritize safety and consider factors such as crime rates, transportation to campus, and living expenses. Consult the housing director on campus, check bulletin boards in local community centers, and take advantage of any resources offered by your university to find safe and affordable housing.
In addition to housing, there may be other resources available to support you in balancing parenting with your studies. For example, some universities offer discounted childcare services or subsidies to help with the cost of childcare. You can also talk to your professors, academic advisor, or other school staff about any concerns regarding conflicts between your parenting responsibilities and classroom participation. Remember that while this is a temporary stage in your life, the rewards of your degree will last for the rest of your life.
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Childcare options for student parents
Being a student parent can be challenging, as college students who are also parents must balance their work, family responsibilities, and schooling. One of the biggest challenges is finding affordable childcare. Childcare is often expensive, and student parents may struggle to cover these costs on top of tuition, books, and basic needs.
There are, however, several options available to help student parents with childcare:
On-Campus Childcare
Some colleges and universities offer childcare on campus, which can be beneficial for student parents. These programs may provide discounted rates or even free childcare for students. However, there may be long waitlists for these programs, and they might not offer extended or evening hours to accommodate students' class schedules. Additionally, not all institutions provide on-campus childcare, and in some cases, the demand for slots may exceed the supply.
Government and State-Funded Programs
The Child Care and Development Fund is a government program that assists parents who are the primary caregivers to children under 13 and need financial support for childcare. States and territories receive funding from the federal government to provide financial assistance to low-income families to help them pay for childcare while they work or attend school. These programs can be found through the "Find Child Care" page or the state or territory's online childcare search.
Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are available at no cost to eligible low-income families and focus on early learning, development, mental well-being, and physical health for children from birth to age five. These programs are located in community centers, childcare centers, and schools.
Military Child Care Assistance
If you are a member of the military or your family is, you may be eligible for military subsidies or financial assistance programs to help with childcare costs.
Scholarships and Daycare Grants
Some schools offer scholarships or daycare grants to adult students with children to help cover the costs of childcare while they pursue their education. These grants and scholarships can be provided by the college or state government.
Sibling Discounts and Employee Discounts
Some childcare programs offer discounts for families with multiple children enrolled or for employees of certain companies. If you are employed, find out if your employer has partnerships with childcare programs that offer discounts.
In conclusion, while finding affordable and accessible childcare as a student parent can be challenging, there are various options available to help. Student parents can explore on-campus childcare, government and state-funded programs, scholarships, and discounts to reduce the financial burden of childcare and make their educational journey more manageable.
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Healthcare and contraceptives available to students
Access to healthcare and contraceptives is an important aspect of university life, especially given that the majority of students are of reproductive age and sexually active. The availability of contraceptive care can help students make informed decisions about their reproductive health and increase the likelihood of achieving their educational goals.
On-Campus Healthcare and Contraceptives
Many universities in the US offer on-campus healthcare services, including contraceptive care, through student health centres. These services are often available at a low cost or are covered by student insurance plans. Some universities may also have an on-staff gynecologist, although this is not universal. To access contraceptives, students typically need a prescription from a doctor, which can be obtained through on-campus clinics or student health services. The prescribed contraceptives can then be purchased at campus pharmacies or retail drugstores. Additionally, student health services can provide advice on the best contraceptive options.
Off-Campus Healthcare and Contraceptives
In cases where universities do not provide contraceptive care on campus, students may need to seek alternative locations, such as Planned Parenthood or community clinics. These off-campus options can present challenges related to transportation and cost. Websites like Bedsider.org offer a database of clinics that provide cost-friendly contraception, and online consultation services like Nurx and SimpleHealth provide birth control at a low cost.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is another important aspect of reproductive healthcare. While some states have proposed legislation to make emergency contraception available in vending machines on public university campuses, this distribution model is not feasible for prescription-based contraceptive methods. Student-led programs, such as EC4EC, also work towards improving contraceptive care and reproductive health advocacy on campuses.
State and Institutional Factors
It is important to note that contraceptive care and insurance coverage can vary depending on state laws, university policies, and a student's specific insurance policy. Colleges with religious affiliations or institutional objections to birth control may not provide contraceptive services on campus. Additionally, the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court has impacted reproductive rights, and abortion services have become illegal in several states.
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Academic accommodations for pregnant students
In the United States, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities, including academic, educational, extracurricular, and athletic programs or activities of schools. This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students. This means that universities cannot deny admission to applicants on the basis of pregnancy.
Pregnant students can also take medically necessary leave without being penalized, and must be allowed to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave. Schools are also not allowed to require a doctor's note after a student has been hospitalized for childbirth unless it requires one from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.
If a student feels their school is discriminating against them because of pregnancy, they can use their school's internal Title IX grievance procedures. They can also contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or file a complaint in court.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities are obligated to accept pregnant students. Legislation such as Title IX in the US, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act in South Africa, and the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against pregnant students and ensures they can continue their education.
Universities offer various forms of support for pregnant students, including maternity leave, accommodations, and childcare services. Some universities provide family apartments, and government housing or rent support is typically available for student mothers. Additionally, student parents may receive discounted childcare costs through their institution or government subsidies.
Universities have policies in place to accommodate students who need to take a leave of absence during or after pregnancy. You can typically pick up where you left off and resume your studies after taking time off.
If you experience discrimination, you can refer to the relevant legislation in your region, such as the Short Guide to Discrimination Law or the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 in Australia. These laws protect pregnant students and ensure they cannot be expelled or prevented from enrolling due to their pregnancy.
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