Pregnant Students and New Parents

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and parental status, in educational programs and activities. A student who is pregnant may: 

  • Continue to participate in classes and activities. 
  • Receive reasonable adjustments/accommodations due to a pregnancy to ensure participation in classes and activities when necessary. 
  • Able to be absent from class due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor says is necessary. 
  • Return to the same academic and activities status as before upon returning after being absent, which should include giving the student the opportunity to make up any work missed while away.

Learn more

Mom sitting at table with two children

 

Because support cannot be issued retroactively, students who need support related to pregnancy are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office-Pokes Center for Community Resources. Our team can: 

  • Issue an initial pregnancy related support letter to instructors while waiting for medical documentation from the student for excused absences. 
  • Review on and off campus resources related to pregnancy and parenting. 
  • Issue an excused absence with appropriate medical documentation related to pregnancy and childbirth. 
  • Review information on lactation spaces on campus.

Accommodations and medical complications

Disability Support Services provides adjustments/accommodations for students experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications. If you are a student who is pregnant experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications and need assistance with adjustments/accommodations, contact DSS at 307-766-3073 or submit your application through the AIM Portal. 

Students who are also benefited staff

DOS can only excuse absences for class related to pregnancy and delivery for as long as deemed necessary by a medical provider and as noted on documentation. This means that excused absences related to recovery from delivery may end sooner than approved family leave as a UW benefited employee. 

Pregnancy-related discrimination

Students who believe they have experience discrimination at UW as a result of a pregnancy-related condition should report the concern to the Equal Opportunity Report and Response Office.

Non-Academic Support

The Albany County Public Health Department offers several free programs for pregnant individuals, low-income pregnant individuals and parents, and parents of young children (under 3 years old). These programs include basic medical visits and referrals to additional support resources. Anyone residing in Albany County is welcome and encouraged to email Johnna French, an Albany County Public Health Nurse, call the Public Health office at 307-721-2561, or visit the Public Health office in person at 609 S. 2nd St., Laramie, WY. 

UW students living outside of Albany County can contact their local county public health office or the Wyoming Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Unit for information on similar programs available where they live.

Student Health Services does not provide obstetric or pediatric services, but they can offer basic pregnancy testing and refer pregnant students and new parents to appropriate medical resources off campus in Laramie.