Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6359
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Education
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-01-26: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 303.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T05:06:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Pregnant Students' Rights Act (H.R. 6359) aims to ensure that colleges and universities inform prospective and enrolled students about the rights, protections, and support available to pregnant students who choose to carry their pregnancy to term. It focuses on promoting awareness of existing legal safeguards under Title IX (a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education) without creating new rights.

Key Provisions

Required Information Dissemination: Institutions of higher education that receive federal funding must provide details on:
On-campus and community resources to support pregnant students in carrying a pregnancy to term and caring for the newborn.
Available accommodations (such as excused absences or modified schedules) to help pregnant students continue their education and parent after birth.
Procedures for filing complaints if a student faces discrimination under Title IX due to choosing to carry a pregnancy to term, including how to report to the institution or the U.S. Department of Education.
Methods of Sharing Information: Institutions must distribute this information through:
An annual email to all enrolled students.
Student handbooks (if they exist), new student orientations, health or counseling centers (if available), and the institution's public website.
Scope: Applies to all prospective and enrolled students, including part-time attendees, at institutions participating in federal student aid programs.
Limitations: The law does not allow the Secretary of Education to mandate additional information or new rights beyond what is specified.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (which governs how colleges report and disclose information to students) by adding a new subsection (n). It builds on Title IX protections for pregnancy-related discrimination but introduces a specific mandate for proactive information sharing, which was not previously required in this detailed form. No entirely new rights or penalties are created; instead, it emphasizes education about existing ones.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Education may see an increase in Title IX complaints related to pregnancy discrimination, requiring additional oversight and processing resources, though no new enforcement mechanisms are added.
On Citizens: Pregnant college students (or those planning to become pregnant) gain better access to information, potentially reducing barriers to education and supporting informed decisions about pregnancy. It could empower students to seek accommodations or report issues more readily.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on U.S. domestic higher education.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Institutions of Higher Education: Public and private colleges receiving federal aid must update policies, websites, and communications to comply, potentially incurring minor administrative costs.
Pregnant or Parenting Students: Primary beneficiaries, as they receive clearer guidance on rights and support to balance education and pregnancy.
U.S. Department of Education: Handles complaint filings and ensures institutional compliance through existing Title IX enforcement.
Campus and Community Support Organizations: May experience increased referrals for resources like counseling, health services, or parenting aid.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces Title IX's role in protecting against pregnancy-based discrimination (e.g., no retaliation for choosing to carry a pregnancy to term) but limits the scope to information dissemination, avoiding broader expansions that could face court challenges. The "rule of construction" clause prevents overreach by federal regulators.
Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles under the 14th Amendment by promoting non-discriminatory access to education, without raising free speech or privacy concerns.
Political: Highlights a focus on supporting students who opt for full-term pregnancies, potentially influencing campus policies amid ongoing debates on reproductive rights, but remains neutral by referencing existing law rather than endorsing specific views.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5]

Recent Actions

2026-01-26: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 303.
2026-01-22: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-01-22: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 211 (Roll no. 47). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1325) (Roll call 47)
2026-01-22: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 211 (Roll no. 47). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1325) (Roll call 47)
2026-01-22: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 216 (Roll no. 46). (Roll call 46)
2026-01-22: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1333-1334)
2026-01-22: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 6359, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Ms. Bonamici demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-01-22: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2026-01-22: Ms. Bonamici moved to recommit to the Committee on Education and Workforce. (text: CR H1330)
2026-01-22: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-01-22: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 6359.
2026-01-22: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
2026-01-22: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1009. (consideration: CR H1325-1330)
2026-01-20: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1009 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
2026-01-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 382.

Bill Versions

Pregnant Students’ Rights Act — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (6 pages)
Pregnant Students’ Rights Act — issued 2025-12-02 — PDF (4 pages)
Pregnant Students’ Rights Act — issued 2026-01-26 — PDF (6 pages)
Pregnant Students’ Rights Act — issued 2026-01-14 — PDF (6 pages)