Pregnant Students Face Unequal Support in College
A new report reveals most U.S. colleges lack essential support for pregnant students, while some offer critical accommodations.
2 min read
Emma Hamilton, a 23-year-old law student at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, faced a challenging journey when she learned she was pregnant just days before orientation. Despite the uncertainty, she decided to continue with her education, hoping to balance her studies with motherhood. However, her experience highlights a broader issue: many colleges fail to provide adequate support for pregnant students and new parents.
A Supportive Exception
Hamilton’s story is one of resilience and institutional support. After her daughter was born prematurely due to complications from preeclampsia, she attended classes from hospital waiting rooms and participated in exams via Zoom. Her professor not only understood her situation but also allowed her to submit assignments and participate in oral arguments remotely. This support ultimately led to her becoming a teaching assistant for the same professor, a testament to the power of empathy and flexibility in education.
A System in Need of Change
Unfortunately, Hamilton’s experience is not the norm. A recent report by Students for Life of America’s Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement evaluated 553 state colleges and universities across several key areas, including housing, financial assistance, and on-campus child care. The average score was a dismal 3.1 out of 5, with 98.6% of schools missing at least two recommended accommodations. Only seven schools earned the highest rating, highlighting a widespread lack of support for pregnant students and parents.
Key Shortcomings in College Support
The findings reveal alarming gaps in institutional support. Over 73% of schools offer no on-campus family housing, 91% provide no maternity parking, and 85% lack pregnancy or parenting scholarships. Additionally, 46% have no on-campus child care. These deficiencies create significant barriers for students who must balance academic responsibilities with the demands of parenthood.
Advocacy for Change
Students for Life of America has identified a “Dirty Dozen” of the lowest-rated schools, urging their leaders to improve support within a year. The group is also pushing for the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which would require colleges to clearly outline students’ rights and accommodations, including procedures for filing Title IX complaints. The bill passed the House but has stalled in the Senate, indicating a need for greater legislative action.
Hope and Resilience
For Hamilton, the best part of her experience was the support she found on campus. The university provided a parents’ nook, a locking room for pumping, and extra time for exams. These resources made a significant difference in her ability to manage both her studies and her new role as a mother. She credits her mother for helping her during class and emphasizes the importance of family support in navigating the challenges of parenthood while in school.
Source: Daily Wire
