Pregnant college students could receive clearer academic protections under the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. 

The bill, filed by Rep. Ashley Hinson, aims to prevent students from feeling forced to choose between their education and carrying a pregnancy to term. 

The legislation would require colleges and universities to explicitly inform pregnant students of their rights, including access to flexible schedules, excused absences, and accommodations under Title IX. It was introduced in response to growing concerns about how higher education institutions support pregnant students following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. 

In a statement published on her website, Hinson said pregnant students often face mounting medical, financial and academic pressures while trying to remain enrolled., Hinson said pregnant students often face mounting medical, financial and academic pressures while trying to remain enrolled. 

“It’s unacceptable that so often they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby—despite the Title IX protections that are already in place,” she said. 

Hinson added that higher education institutions have a responsibility to empower all students to succeed, including those who are pregnant or parenting. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act would amend the Higher Education Act to require colleges to clearly distribute information about pregnant students’ rights and available resources through student handbooks, emails, websites and orientations. 

According to Florida A&M University Title IX Coordinator Darese Doskal, many of the protections outlined in the bill are already in place.  

“Any students who are pregnant, experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms or parenting are protected from any discrimination or harassment on campus,” she said.  

Students who are pregnant or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to supportive measures through the Title IX office, which can include academic and physical accommodations. 

 “That can be anything from getting a handicap parking sticker so they can park closer to classes if they are having difficulty walking,” Doskal said. 

Other accommodations may include extensions on coursework, excused medical absences and coordination with instructors to ensure students can continue participating fully in class. FAMU also offers lactation pods and rooms across campus for nursing parents.  

 
Students can request accommodations by contacting the Title IX office directly, and faculty must refer a student once a pregnancy-related condition is disclosed. The office may request medical documentation, such as a doctor’s note.  

If a student encounters resistance from an instructor, Doskal said the Title IX office can intervene.  

“They legally have the right to participate at the same level as any other student,” she said. 

For Shabris Howard, a FAMU alumna, navigating pregnancy while enrolled was both challenging and transformative. She described the experience as “scary” and isolating, particularly as campus life continued around her.  

“Everyone was still partying and having fun while I was trying to learn how to pivot in a way not most could understand,” Howard said.  

Howard said she was unaware that Title IX protected pregnant and parenting students until she became pregnant and had to research her options on her own. While many faculty members were supportive, she recalled at least one professor who was reluctant to accommodate her despite medical documentation. With support from her dean and advisor, she was able to stay on track to graduate.  

“I will never forget giving birth at 6:47 a.m. on a Thursday and immediately trying to submit assignments,” Howard said, recalling emailing her professors for grace after more than 10 hours of labor. 

Doskal said the goal of both existing policies and the proposed bill is equal access to education. 

 “Pregnancy can cause women to drop out or step away from their career paths,” she said. “Making sure they’re able to continue and succeed means they’re able to keep up with their peers.” 

If enacted, the bill would require universities to review policies and procedures to ensure compliance, a process that would likely involve legal counsel and campus leadership.