The House Education and Workforce Committee recently passed (21-15) the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, a bill that would require colleges to provide resources about the rights and accommodations available to pregnant students. Introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), the bill amends the Higher Education Act to include new requirements for colleges that accept federal funding. Those institutions would have to provide information to prospective and enrolled students about resources and accommodations to help a pregnant student carry her baby to term while remaining enrolled at the institution. Colleges would also be required to provide information to students on how they can file a complaint with the Department of Education for alleged violations of Title IX and discrimination based on pregnancy.

House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (MI) praised the bill, stating that while pregnant students are “entitled to reasonable accommodations, . . . too often students are given incorrect or incomplete information regarding their rights. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act would change this.” Rep. Mary Miller (IL) also touted the bill, noting that nearly 20% of college students are parents, and 74% of those are mothers. “These students should never be dissuaded from continuing their education,” she stated. The bill would apply to Christian colleges that accept federal funding, but colleges can claim Title IX’s religious exemption if the law would violate the college’s religious beliefs.