The NWHN Opposes the Pregnant Students Rights Act Which, Despite Its Name, Seeks to Limit Students’ Health Care Choices 

PREGNANT STUDENTS RIGHTS ACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Director of Communications Adele Scheiber at [email protected] or by phone at 631 – 538 – 6348 for comments and questions.

The National Women’s Health Network opposes H.R. 6914, the Pregnant Students Rights Act, and we are disappointed that House lawmakers have approved this bill. This bill, despite its deceptive name, employs anti-abortion language that seeks to limit students’ health care choices.

More than 2 million women between the ages of 18 and 24 become pregnant each year and approximately 26% of undergraduate students are parents. Students who are pregnant deserve the opportunity to complete their education without fear of harassment or discrimination, but this bill falls short of the protections needed by pregnant and parenting students. Now more than ever it is important that Congress passes legislation that empowers young people to make decisions about their reproductive health care, free from bias or stigma.

Although we are disappointed by this news, we are not deterred in our fight to restore and expand access to abortion services. We will continue to work with our women’s health champions in Congress to pass legislation that protects the right of women of all ages to make safe and good decisions about their health care. To learn more about our policy priorities, visit our website.

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The National Women’s Health Network, a 501c3 not for profit, represents the health interests of women across the life continuum with an intersectional focus on sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, and the health and well-being of aging women. We work to improve women’s health outcomes through state and federal advocacy, consumer health education, and grassroots technical assistance initiatives. For more information about or programs, services and initiatives and how to donate, visit www.nwhn.org.