Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Summary
The Pregnant Students' Rights Act mandates that institutions of higher education provide information to prospective and enrolled students about the rights, accommodations, and resources available to pregnant students who choose to carry their baby to term. This includes resources on campus and in the community, accommodations to help pregnant students, and information on how to file complaints regarding Title IX violations related to pregnancy. The Act aims to ensure that pregnant students are aware of their rights and the support available to them.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase awareness among pregnant students about available resources and legal protections. It may also lead to increased reporting of Title IX violations related to pregnancy. The Act does not create new rights but mandates the dissemination of information about existing rights and resources.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures pregnant students are aware of their rights under Title IX.
- Provides information about available resources and accommodations.
- May lead to increased support for pregnant students in higher education.
- Clarifies the responsibilities of institutions of higher education regarding pregnant students.
- Offers a clear process for students to report discrimination.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create an administrative burden for institutions of higher education to disseminate the required information.
- Could be perceived as favoring students who choose to carry to term, potentially creating controversy.
- The Act does not address the underlying issues that lead to discrimination against pregnant students; it only provides information.
- The Act does not provide additional funding to support the resources it mandates institutions to inform students about.
- The rule of construction clause limits the Secretary's authority to expand the scope of the information required.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the principles of equal protection and access to education, potentially falling under Congress's power to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment. The requirement for institutions to disseminate information does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights. The Act does not compel any specific action beyond information dissemination, which reduces potential constitutional concerns. The Act also references Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), which is legislation enacted to prevent sex-based discrimination in education.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).