Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Summary
The Pregnant Students' Rights Act (H.R. 6359) mandates institutions of higher education to disseminate information regarding the rights, accommodations, and resources available to pregnant students. This includes resources both on campus and within the community that support pregnant students in carrying their baby to term and caring for the baby after birth. The bill also requires information on how to file complaints with the Department of Education or the institution itself if a student believes they have been discriminated against based on their decision to carry a baby to term, referencing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase awareness among pregnant students about available resources and accommodations. It may also lead to increased reporting of discrimination cases related to pregnancy. The Act aims to ensure that pregnant students are informed about their rights and options, potentially leading to better support systems within higher education institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of resources for pregnant students.
- Improved access to accommodations for pregnant students.
- Clearer pathways for reporting discrimination.
- Potential for increased support systems on college campuses.
- Reinforcement of Title IX protections for pregnant students.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on institutions of higher education.
- Possible misinterpretation of the 'rule of construction' clause, leading to inconsistent implementation.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on carrying to term and potentially overlooking other pregnancy-related needs.
- May not address the underlying causes of discrimination against pregnant students.
- Could be perceived as politically motivated, leading to resistance in some institutions.
Constitutional Alignment
The Pregnant Students' Rights Act appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, by ensuring pregnant students have access to resources and are protected from discrimination. The Act also reinforces Title IX, which has been interpreted to prohibit sex-based discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or create any new federal mandates beyond information dissemination.
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).