Pregnant and Parenting Support
Protection Against Discrimination
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy, parenting, and related conditions. This includes protection against discrimination for conditions such as:
- Pregnancy-related illnesses (e.g., morning sickness or prenatal depression)
- Miscarriage
- Abortion
- IVF treatments
- Childbirth recovery
- Postpartum or lactation-related needs
Right to Reasonable Modifications
Under Title IX, you also have the right to remain enrolled in your academic program, fully participate in classes and extracurricular activities, and request reasonable modifications necessary to ensure equal access to education. These modifications can include but are not limited to:
- Breaks during class for health needs
- A larger or different desk
- Changes in schedule or course sequence
- Extensions on coursework deadlines
- Rescheduing tests
Right to Excused Absences When Medically Necessary
Additionally, Title IX requires that students be allowed to take time off of school for pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion and/or recovery for as long as their doctor says is medically necessary. Medically necessary leave could mean a few absences for doctor's appointments, or a longer leave of absence for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. Students cannot be penalized for taking leave, and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.
For assistance or more information, contact our office by calling 619-594-6464 or emailing [email protected].
Lactation Spaces on Campus
To further support you, the campus also provides lactation spaces for privacy and comfort. Currently, there are three lactation spaces available on campus:
Women's Resource Center
5121 Campanile Drive
Hours: Mon. - Thur. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fri. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union (3rd Floor)
Inside of the Harvey Goodfield Lounge
Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.Love Library
Room 443
Open: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.