Know Your Rights: Pregnant & Parenting Students
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Do I have the right to stop attending school because I am pregnant or after childbirth?
NO. You must remain enrolled in school until you graduate from high school, receive a G.E.D or turn 18 years of age.
Do I have the right to stay in my same school while I am pregnant or after childbirth?
YES. You have the right to stay in your same school and participate in all school activities, including sports, physical education, school dances and graduation. You also have a right to change schools and enroll in continuation, independent study, a G.E.D. program, or adult educational classes. Staying or changing schools is your choice.
Can my school require me to enroll into a parenting student program at my school?
NO. A school may offer programs for pregnant and parenting students, like Cal-SAFE, but participation in those programs must be completely voluntary.
Can I remain in regular school but use the childcare services available at a continuation school?
YES. You have a right to remain in your regular school. If your school district offers childcare services through a pregnant and parenting program, you can enroll your child as long as you meet the enrollment criteria.
Can my school treat me differently because I am pregnant or have a child?
NO. Your school cannot treat you differently if you are pregnant, if you end a pregnancy, or if you have a child. You cannot be denied participation in a class, course, or school activity for any of these reasons.
Do I have the right to keep my pregnancy private?
YES. Your school cannot draw public attention or reveal your pregnancy without your permission.
Can I request special educational services, like homebound instruction, while I am pregnant or during childbirth?
YES. If your school provides special services to students with a temporary medical condition, it must also provide the same services to pregnant students and those recovering for childbirth related conditions. This may include homebound instruction and tutoring.
Can I be excused from school because I am sick during or after my pregnancy?
YES. If you are absent from school because you are sick or have a doctor’s appointment, your absences will be considered excused. Make sure to notify your school with the reason for your absence. You are not required to provide a doctor’s note for your illness, unless the school requires that all students provide a doctor’s note.
Can I be excused from school because my child is sick or to take him/her to a doctor’s appointment?
YES. Your absence will be considered excused. Make sure to have a parent or guardian notify your school with the reason for your absence.
Can I make up schoolwork that I missed due to an excused absence?
YES.
Can I be excused from class for a confidential medical appointment?
YES. Your school must excuse you from class to access sensitive health care services without your parent’s consent or knowledge. Sensitive health care services include: STI and pregnancy testing appointments, prenatal care, as well as substance abuse, mental health appointments, etc. You must notify your school before the appointment.
Source: MySchoolMyRights.com
