In Washington, D.C., Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, has joined as an original cosponsor of the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act (S.3627). The bill, introduced by Senator Ashely Moody (R-Fla.), seeks to ensure that pregnant college students are informed about their rights and protections, including modified class schedules and excused absences.
According to Senator Hyde-Smith, “Standing up for life is more than just saying the right words. It means showing up with real support. For women in college, balancing coursework with pregnancy can be especially challenging, and they deserve to fully understand their rights to reasonable accommodations and protection from discrimination. As chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, I am proud to support this legislation and policies like it that empower pregnant women with the resources they need to thrive and nurture life.”
Senator Moody said, “Navigating college can be challenging, and unfortunately women who become pregnant can feel pressure choose between bringing life into this world or academic failure. No one should have to make this decision. My Pregnant Students’ Rights Act ensures students know what resources and support are available to them to stay in school, succeed, and care for their new baby.”
The proposed legislation would amend the Higher Education Act so that all college students who are pregnant or may become pregnant receive information about their rights under Title IX. Universities would be required to inform students on how to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if these protections are violated.
The bill also mandates that universities provide information regarding these rights through emails, student handbooks, orientation sessions, publicly accessible websites, and at health or counseling centers on campus. This includes listing available campus resources for pregnant students and new mothers.
Other cosponsors include Majority Leader John Thune as well as Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Supporters of the act include Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and March for Life Action.
Senator Hyde-Smith represents Mississippi as its first female elected senator according to her official website. Her office addresses priorities such as agriculture, rural development, public safety and education, among others.
