Hinson Legislation Empowering Young Women to Choose Life Advances Through Committee
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) recently introduced the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, legislation to ensure pregnant women are given proper information about their rights and resources and supported on campus.
Navigating college can be difficult for pregnant students, and in many cases, women feel pressured to end their pregnancies or risk academic failure, despite available protections.
Under Title IX, pregnant students already have the right to stay in school, finish their education, and achieve their career goals. Unfortunately, academic disparity exists due to the lack of resources, support, and tools for pregnant students. These women may fear institutional reprisal, loss of athletic scholarships, and possible negative impacts on their academic opportunity and standing.
As a result of their isolation, pregnant students might also suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Almost 30% of all abortions in the United States are performed on women of college age, according to a 2021 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hinson's legislation will ensure that young women know about the protections and options available to them, including flexible class schedules, excused absences, and child care assistance. This key pro-life legislation advanced through the House Education and Workforce Committee today. |
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“It is unacceptable that pregnant women on college campuses are often told they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby. Pregnant women should be informed of all resources available to continue their education while pregnant, never pressured into having an abortion. This legislation will empower young women to choose life and ensure they have access to support while they work to provide the best future for themselves and their child." – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
“Pregnant college students should never feel like abortion is their only option. This bill would empower more women to choose life by ensuring they are aware of all the resources available to them and their babies while pursuing their education. Every life is precious, and college campuses should never make young women feel marginalized for choosing life.” – Senator Marco Rubio
"Getting an education is a path out of poverty and toward hope and a future. 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, and we applaud Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) for introducing the Pregnant Students' Rights Act. Women balancing school, pregnancy, and family deserve our support. Yet, ironically, far too few know about Title IX, the law that is supposed to protect their rights. This effort will require schools to communicate protections in place and commit to helping such pregnant and parenting students succeed on campus. As the Pro-Life Generation knows, this is a long-term need and too common a problem." – Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life Action President
“It is too often that women across college campuses feel burdened to choose between their education and their child. Instead, mothers on campus should feel empowered and supported with resources and information to create the best possible future for both themselves and their child. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act does just this to ensure that universities provide students with information on life-affirming resources that will serve both mom and baby. SBA would like to sincerely thank Congresswoman Hinson for raising this important legislation that supports mothers on campuses across America.” – Honorable Marilyn Musgrave, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
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