Teenage pregnancy rates continually increase thus, most pregnant mothers dropped out of school, mostly in college. As teenage pregnancy cases continually soar, very low percentage of college students discovered the law, which gives a pregnant student a right in their college campuses.
Sacramento Bee featured the story of Christina Martinez as she shared her pregnancy struggle while in school. Martinez shared that if she only knew about her rights as a pregnant student, her life would have been easier.
"My journey was difficult but could have been markedly less stressful for my children and me had I been aware of the rights afforded me under Title IX," Christina stated.
Christina shared that she was forced to drop out of school despite going through tough times due to her pregnancy. She suffered from morning sickness, which left her dehydrated and malnourished, causing her to miss school. Christina then mentioned that her medical absences due to her pregnancy were unexcused, which caused her to drop out of school.
Struggling with pregnancy while going to school may be a struggle but Christina added that post pregnancy was not easy either. She mentioned that she needed to go back to school just 10 days after giving birth as she's afraid that she may be forced to drop out again. She struggled to rush to the bathroom every break time to relive herself from the discomfort of breast milk build up.
Pregnant students like Christina are given the rights to continue their education and be treated equally according to Title IX. National Women's Law Center cites that it is every pregnant student's right to have equal access to classes and class activities.
Discrimination among pregnant or post-pregnant students is strictly banned, which gives them the full rights to get education. It was also mentioned that school absences due to pregnancy discomfort and complications should be deemed as excused. Pregnant students are also given the right to reschedule their exams or quizzes if they were not able to get them on the date that was set due to pregnancy complications.
Listed on top are only a few rights that pregnant students are entitled to. If you wish to know more about Title IX, you may do so through NWLC.
