Hoodline
Senator Ashley Moody Champions Pregnant Students' Rights Act to Aid Parental Education Balance
By Eric Ramirez
Senator Ashley Moody, ahead of the March for Life event, introduced the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, legislation aimed at empowering pregnant college students with the necessary resources to balance their academic pursuits with parenthood. According to an announcement on the senator's official website, the bill mandates colleges to clearly inform pregnant students about their rights and accommodations available to them, such as modified class schedules and excused absences, according to the Moody.senate.gov press release.
"Navigating college can be challenging, and unfortunately women who become pregnant can feel pressure choosing between bringing life into this world or academic failure. No one should have to make this decision. My Pregnant Students’ Rights Act ensures students know what resources and support are available to them to stay in school, succeed, and care for their new baby," Senator Moody said in the release. The proposed act also includes provisions for universities to guide students in filing complaints if they encounter violations of Title IX protections. Critics have questioned whether the act will result in genuine support or just a check-the-box approach by educational institutions.
The bill has garnered support from multiple senators, including Majority Leader John Thune and Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, Bill Cassidy, and Marsha Blackburn, among others. “Helping both moms and their babies is central to the pro-life movement. I’m grateful to Senator Moody for leading this legislation, which would ensure that pregnant college students have access to the support they need to carry their baby to term and to care for their child,” Majority Leader Thune stated.
Several pro-life advocacy groups have expressed their approval of the act. Organizations like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and March for Life Action have shown their support for the measure. "As part of building a pro-life culture, Congress must act to protect pregnant and parenting students who are working to build a better life," Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action, stated on the same press release. The bill aims to amend the Higher Education Act, confirming that all students who are pregnant or might become pregnant are made aware of this support early on, preventing the potential need for crisis decision-making.
The Pregnant Students' Rights Act not only emphasizes the need for clear communication of existing rights under current law but also seeks to ensure that universities actively disseminate this information through various channels, including emails and student handbooks. The goal is to offer guidance and support for pregnant students to continue their education while starting or expanding their families, thus protecting something as elemental as a right to pursue an education free from discrimination.