Education Law

The challenges facing a pregnant teenager are many.  It can be a scary and overwhelming time.  There are so many things to think about, not the least of which is education.  Although it might be very difficult, it is important for a teenage mother to complete her high school education so that she has a realistic chance at gainful employment in the future.

In the past many school districts have offered home tutoring or special classes for pregnant students.  However, it is important for every expectant teenage mother and her parents to know that she has the right to stay in the same classes that she was in before the pregnancy.

According to Title IX, a pregnant student in a public school must be permitted to remain in her regular classes and extra curricular activities.  She must also be allowed to return to her classes and activities after the birth of the baby.   The school district can not set up obstacles that prevent the mother from attending her usual classes and activities.   For example, the district may not require a doctor’s note prior to allowing the pregnant student to participate unless such a note is required for all students who have a physical or emotional condition requiring the attention of a physician.

So, while there are many challenges facing a pregnant student, school should not be one of them.  The student can remain in her regular classes and activities and continue on a course toward her high school diploma.

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