Title IX is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy status—in educational programs and activities. Any university that receives any federal funds must comply with Title IX. In April 2024, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) regulations were enhanced to provide more rights to pregnant students. Additionally, the regulations emphasized the responsibility of universities to prevent discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions.
Some examples of Title IX protections include:
- Allowing pregnant students to continue participating in classes and not requiring a doctor’s note
- Excused absences due to pregnancy or childbirth
- Allowing students to return to the same academic status before their medical leave began and allowing the student to make up any work that was missed while they were out
Along with pregnancy, childbirth, termination or loss of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions are covered under Title IX.
Academic accommodations may be made for pregnant students or students who have experienced a pregnancy related condition.This may include accommodations such as:
- The ability to take an incomplete in the course and complete it at a later date
- Completing a course early before the delivery of their child
- Faculty members may also be expected to allow the student to makeup a missed exam or be excused from a class to attend a medical appointment
Students seeking accommodations due to pregnancy or related conditions work with Accessible Educational Services (AES). Similar to the memorandums that AES produces for students with disabilities, a pregnant student will provide their instructor with a memorandum stating their accommodations and any other relevant information, such as how they plan to complete a course after they deliver their child. The student and their AES Access Coordinator/Accommodation Specialist may communicate with the instructors to discuss the student’s needs and develop a plan. The Accommodation Specialist and student may also alter the memorandum and success plan based upon any changes to the student’s medical condition.
As pregnancy and related conditions vary from person to person, the Accommodation Specialist will learn about your needs and requested accommodations. If documentation is needed, the Accommodation Specialist will discuss what information is needed with the student as part of the registration process. The documentation is kept separate from your academic records and is only accessible by AES.
Students seeking accommodations due to pregnancy or related conditions work with Accessible Educational Services (AES). Similar to the memorandums that AES produces for students with disabilities, a pregnant student will provide their instructor(s) with a memorandum stating their accommodations and any other relevant information, such as how they plan to complete a course after they deliver their child. The student and their AES Accommodation Specialist may communicate with their instructor(s) to discuss the student’s needs and develop a plan. The Accommodation Specialist and student may also alter the memorandum and success plan based upon any changes to the student’s medical condition.
Students who feel as if they are being discriminated against due to pregnancy or related conditions or have concerns about the accommodation process can report their concerns to OIE at oie@iu.edu.