Legislation offers help to pregnant, parenting students
In the corridors of our state’s universities, amid the bustling crowds of eager learners, there exists a silent struggle — one often overlooked and underestimated. It’s the struggle of pregnant and parenting students, who, while navigating the rigors of academia, also bear the weight of parenthood on their shoulders. Their journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination, yet it is also fraught with challenges and barriers that threaten to derail their dreams.
I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and obstacles that pregnant and parenting students face. My personal journey began during my sophomore year in undergraduate school, at a university on Maryland’s rural Eastern Shore. Concerned by a delayed menstrual cycle, I sought guidance at the on-campus health center. There, a kind-hearted nurse offered me a pregnancy test. Moments later, she returned with life-changing news: the test was positive — I was pregnant. In that moment, a flood of thoughts overwhelmed me, as I realized I was more than 100 miles away from my family, support system, and regular healthcare providers — separated from the resources I needed to plan my next steps.
From the moment I discovered I was pregnant, my world was turned upside down. The fear of judgment and the uncertainty of how I would continue my education weighed heavily on my shoulders. Yet, amid the chaos, I found solace in the unwavering support of loved ones and dedicated healthcare professionals back home and near my campus. Their encouragement and guidance were beacons of hope in the midst of uncertainty. This firsthand experience fueled a heartfelt passion within me to advocate for pregnant and parenting students and to introduce this crucial legislation.
That is why House Bill 771/Senate Bill 741 Pregnant and Parenting Support Act is so important. This legislation seeks to ensure that public higher education institutions adopt comprehensive policies that support pregnant and parenting students. These policies will encompass a range of reproductive care supports, from access to healthcare services to academic accommodations tailored to the unique needs of pregnant and parenting students.
It is crucial to underscore the importance of the comprehensive support outlined in the bill, especially regarding prenatal care. Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of prenatal care on maternal and fetal health outcomes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , receiving early and regular prenatal care significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy complications and improves birth outcomes for both mother and child. Furthermore, prenatal care facilitates early detection and management of medical conditions that may pose risks during and after pregnancy.
Supporting pregnant and parenting students isn’t just a matter of policy — it’s a moral imperative. It’s about recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their parental status.
We can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment by mandating the adoption of policies outlined in the Pregnant and Parenting Support Act that include referral services for entitlement programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the Child Care Scholarship Program, the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, and any other relevant programs, scholarships, or subsidies aimed at supporting pregnant and parenting students with their educational and healthcare needs. We can send a powerful message to pregnant and parenting students that they are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
My journey serves as a reminder that with the right assistance, pregnant and parenting students can overcome obstacles and thrive. That’s why I’m passionate about advocating for the Pregnant and Parenting Support Act — to ensure every student has the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their parental status.