March 30, 2022
FFL Supports the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Feminists for Life of America
Supports the
Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
ALEXANDRIA, VA — “Feminists for Life of America enthusiastically supports the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, sponsored by Rep. Ashley Hinson, and urges co-sponsors from across the political aisle to unite behind this bill,” said FFL President Serrin M. Foster.
“After working with administrators and students on hundreds of college and university campuses across the country, I know that many health centers and counselors refer students to abortion clinics but rarely discuss the rest of the choices, the resources that are available on campus and in the community. Pregnant students have a right to know.”
As Rep. Hinson has rightfully pointed out, pregnant students may fear institutional reprisal, loss of athletic scholarships, and possible negative impacts on their academic opportunity and standing. As a result of their isolation, pregnant students might also suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. According to a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27.6% of all abortions in the United States are performed on women of college age. This percentage swells to 41.8% in the Guttmacher Institute’s most recent nationwide abortion survey.
The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act will:
- amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to ensure all college students who are pregnant or may become pregnant know their rights and protections other than abortion services,
- require universities to inform students how to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if there is a violation of Title IX protections for pregnant students,
- and establish an annual reporting requirement that includes an anonymous survey on university-wide campus resource accessibility and any actions taken by the university to address violations on account of a student’s pregnancy.
“At a most vulnerable time, pregnant students need to know their rights. In my 28 years at the helm of FFL, once we have a discussion at an FFL Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Forum℠ or other venue, I know people on both sides of the contentious abortion debate agree. Women deserve better®. Better choices. Better resources. It starts with knowledge,” Foster concluded.
To contact your representative, call the United States Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or find her or him online at www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. Tell her or him to support the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act of 2022 (H.R.7294). Thank you!
