Support for Students Experiencing Pregnancy & Pregnancy-Related Conditions
Support for Pregnancy & Related Conditions
Western Washington University students experiencing pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions have rights and support options.
Support is available for:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Loss or termination of pregnancy
- Lactation
- Other related medical conditions
Individuals who are experiencing barriers due to pregnancy and related conditions that impact their ability to access programs or services may request reasonable modifications.
Reasonable Modifications
Reasonable modifications are adjustments to academic programs and activities that are reasonable and responsive to the student's temporary pregnancy status and needs. Reasonable modifications can include:
- Changes to physical spaces or supplies (furniture, location, seating assignments)
- Access to lactation spaces
- Breaks during class, as needed
- Academic Modifications (attendance, schedule/course load, assignment deadlines and extensions, access to remote participation where available)
- Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures needed to provide equal access
Am I required to tell anyone about my pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition?
Students are not required to inform faculty, staff, or any member of the administration of their pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions; however, to assess requests for reasonable modifications, disclosure may be necessary.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of schools. This prohibition includes discrimination against students who are pregnant or are experiencing pregnancy-related conditions.
Confidential Student Resources
Employee Resources
Brochure
Requesting Support
Requests for reasonable modifications should be directed to Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance (CRTC). CRTC can meet with students to explore individual support needs and available modifications.
A CRTC staff member will assess the student's support requests and determine which modifications can be implemented. Students who feel the initial assessment of their requested modifications does not adequately meet their needs can request an independent review.
A student who has a serious medical condition because of pregnancy may also qualify for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and can request additional support through the Disability Access Center (DAC). CRTC and the DAC may collaborate to facilitate modifications and accommodations for more complex needs.
Retaliation is Prohibited!
Federal and state regulations, in combination with WWU policy, prohibit retaliation against individuals who access support for or raise concerns of discrimination or harassment based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.