Hinson Reintroduces Pregnant Students' Rights Act

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) reintroduced the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, which would ensure young pregnant women are given proper information about their rights and available resources as a pregnant student and ensure these women feel supported on campus. These protections and options available to pregnant students include, and are not limited to, flexible class schedules, excused absences, and child care assistance.

“College students who are pregnant or may become unexpectedly pregnant deserve to know every resource available to them, and it is unacceptable that so many often feel they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby. My legislation empowers young women to choose life and ensures they have the resources and support necessary to build the best future for themselves and their child." – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

"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) 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, President, Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action

“Too often, women on college campuses feel pressured to choose between pursuing their education and welcoming their child. Instead, every student mother should feel equipped and supported with clear information and resources to build the best future for herself and her baby. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act takes an important step by ensuring universities inform students about the life-affirming support available to them. SBA is grateful to Congresswoman Hinson for championing this vital legislation that uplifts mothers on campuses nationwide.” – Honorable Marilyn Musgrave, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

Background: 

Navigating college can be difficult for pregnant students. In many cases, women feel pressured to end their pregnancies or risk academic failure, despite protections.

• Almost 30 percent of all abortions in the United States are performed on women of college age, between the ages of 20 and 24, according to 2022 data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• These college age women may be unaware of their rights to accommodation and prohibitions against discrimination due to pregnancy under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) or deprived of information about abortion alternatives.

Pregnant students who choose to carry to term often face academic disparities due to limited resources, support, and protections. 

• Many fear losing scholarships, harming their academic standing, or facing institutional pushback. This isolation can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
• Research and personal testimonies show that many women feel conflicted or pressured into abortion, and studies have linked abortion to increased risks of mental health struggles, substance use, and medical complications. These studies show that:
  • According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, after an abortion, women are more than 150% more likely to be hospitalized for substance use, 110% more likely to rely on alcohol use or abuse, 230% greater likelihood of marijuana use, 43% more likely to develop anxiety disorders, 49% more likely to develop depression, and approximately twice the risk of being hospitalized for a suicide attempt compared to women who gave birth.

Bill text can be found here.

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