HB6359, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, would amend Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require colleges and universities that participate in federal student-aid programs to provide pregnant students, and students who may become pregnant, with information about their rights, available accommodations, and support resources. The bill focuses on helping students carry a pregnancy to term and continue their education, including by identifying campus and community resources, explaining academic and related accommodations, and directing students to complaint processes if they believe they have faced discrimination under Title IX because of a decision to carry a pregnancy to term.
The required information would have to be disseminated in several ways: by annual email to enrolled students, and through student handbooks, orientation programs, student health or counseling centers, and the institution’s public website. The bill also includes a rule of construction stating that it does not authorize the Secretary of Education to require additional disclosures or create rights beyond those expressly listed in the amendment.
Impact
The bill would create a new federal notice requirement for institutions of higher education participating in Title IV programs under the Higher Education Act. It would not directly change Title IX substantive standards, but it would require schools to publicize Title IX complaint pathways and pregnancy-related supports, potentially affecting institutional compliance practices, student services, and campus communications. The measure would apply to prospective and enrolled students, including part-time students, and would likely require colleges to review and update handbooks, websites, orientation materials, and student support offices.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was politically divisive but ultimately advanced in the House by a narrow margin, with passage at 216-210 and a failed motion to recommit at 212-215. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded hearing debate in the provided materials. Overall, the bill appears to have drawn support from members favoring expanded pregnancy-related student information and protections, while opponents likely viewed it as unnecessary, duplicative, or ideologically framed.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the bill’s framing around pregnancy and its emphasis on carrying a baby to term, which supporters would characterize as ensuring access to information and accommodations, while critics may see it as a policy statement tied to abortion-related politics or as an expansion of federal involvement in campus administration. Another possible issue is whether the bill duplicates existing Title IX obligations or imposes new administrative burdens on institutions. The close vote indicates substantial disagreement, but the provided record does not include specific committee objections or named arguments from members.
Related
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6945) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to clarify the authority of States to use funds for pregnancy centers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6359) to require institutions of higher education to disseminate information on the rights of, and accommodations and resources for, pregnant students, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 140) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
Establishes protections for the rights of pregnant students, parenting students, and students with pregnancy-related conditions in schools; requires schools to establish liaison officers for such students and to disseminate information relating to resources available to such students; directs that rules be established to administer such rights and to establish minimum periods of time for a leave of absence at the student's option.
Establishes protections for the rights of pregnant students, parenting students, and students with pregnancy-related conditions in schools; requires schools to establish liaison officers for such students and to disseminate information relating to resources available to such students; directs that rules be established to administer such rights and to establish minimum periods of time for a leave of absence at the student's option.
An act to amend Sections 66251 and 66260.7 of, to amend and repeal Section 66281.7 of, and to add Sections 66260.8, 66261.6, 66262.3, 66281.75, and 66281.76 to, the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.