Accommodations & Support for Pregnant Students
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs, which includes protections for students based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, and recovery. Students have the right to take medically-necessary leaves without harassment, intimidation, or other discrimination due to pregnancy-related conditions and experiences. Students who take a leave must be allowed to return to school without penalty and be reinstated to the status held before the leave began.
Pregnancy itself is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students may be eligible for reasonable accommodations and CAE services for pregnancy-related complications (such as serious health conditions) or other conditions that constitute a disability, including complications that arise postpartum or exacerbations of an existing impairment due to pregnancy.
Requesting CAE Accommodations for Pregnancy or Postpartum complications
To request CAE accommodations, complete the Academic Accommodations application process and submit supporting documentation from a doctor or medical provider. You will be invited to meet with a Disability Specialist to discuss your requested accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are determined based on an individual’s unique needs and disability through the interactive process. Possible accommodations may include:
- Breaks during class or exams, as needed
- Adjusted deadlines or attendance for short-term flare-ups or episodes
- Extra time on exams
- Classroom furniture needs
- Access to lactation rooms on campus
Who to contact:
UCLA’s Title IX office for pregnancy and parenting supports and adjustments related to coursework and employment. Title IX can provide information about students’ rights and offer support, regardless of disability status or registration with CAE.
UCLA Campus Human Resources to determine eligibility for workplace or job adjustments and leave due to pregnancy and recovery.
UCLA Insurance & Risk Management – Disability Management for workplace or job accommodations due to pregnancy-related complications or other disabilities.
Additional Resources
The Pregnant Scholar is a helpful resource that includes information about your rights as a student, post-doc, faculty, or administrator, as related to Title IX protections.
Students with Dependents program at UCLA through the Bruin Resource Center. They offer a variety of workshops and supports to help parenting students navigate campus resources and student life.
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Sources: The Pregnant Scholar, Title IX Basics; Case Western Reserve University, Pregnancy Accommodation; Georgetown University, Title IX pregnancy Adjustments; Columbia University, Accommodations for Pregnant Students