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"I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act.
When Roe v. Wade was rightfully overturned last year, the next chapter of the pro-life movement began, and we were all given the opportunity to strengthen our support for unborn babies and new moms.
As a mom of two, this issue is personal to me. When you’re pregnant, there are a million questions racing through your head.
From doctors’ appointments to new financial responsibilities, pregnant students have so much on their plate as they work to balance school and having a healthy pregnancy.
Unfortunately, many pregnant women on college campuses are pressured into having an abortion and told they must choose between having their baby and continuing their education, despite Title Nine protections.
Under Title Nine, pregnant students have the right to stay in school, finish their education, and achieve their career goals. However, 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, or negative impacts on their academic opportunity and standing.
These fears and anxieties are not only unjust to the women, but a poor reflection of how our higher education institutions treat pregnant students.
Higher education institutions and universities have a responsibility to empower all their students to succeed – including pregnant students.
There are many organizations that provide physical and emotional support for new and soon-to-be moms, and pregnant students should know about these resources on college campuses. They deserve to be treated with respect and surrounded with care and love.
I have visited pregnancy resource centers in Iowa and met with those who have dedicated themselves to the cause of life – many of whom have traveled to Washington to March for life this weekend.
And it has been inspiring to see the pro-life community spring into action to help expecting moms and their babies thrive.
Because that is what this movement is all about: recognizing the sanctity of every life and valuing life at every stage.
Pregnant students bravely balance the responsibilities of bringing a new life into this world while simultaneously continuing their pursuit of a bright future through education.
It is crucial for pregnant students to know that they have people standing behind them, that they have resources available to them, and that they are entitled to accommodations on campus.
Being able to complete your education as a mother is not only empowering for the student, but vital to ensuring that the unborn child has the best possible future ahead.
The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act amends the Higher Education Act to require higher education institutions to distribute information about the rights of pregnant students and the resources available to them at the school via their student handbooks, emails, website, and during orientations.
It also strengthens procedures for students to file complaints and pursue accountability if their rights are violated.
It is deeply troubling that the Biden Administration is so dug-in on their pro-abortion agenda that they would oppose providing pregnant women on college campuses with resources to continue their education and have a healthy pregnancy.
I hope that my colleagues across the aisle will vote to empower pregnant women and support this vital, life-affirming legislation. There is no reason that providing additional resources and support to women who choose life should be partisan.
Every woman who chooses to complete her studies through her pregnancy is another American citizen doubly contributing to our families, communities, and workforce and should be an inspiration to us all.
This bill is a step in the right direction to creating a culture of life in our society, and a step we must take, as we continue to pursue policies that help families grow and thrive.
I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill. Thank you, and I yield back."
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