‘Pregnant Students’ Rights Act’ introduced in House and Senate

U.S. legislators are considering legislation to help ensure that college students who become pregnant are aware of how they can obtain their degrees while choosing life for their children.

The bill, which is based on model legislation by Students for Life Action (SFLAction). Kristan Hawkins, SFLAction’s president, said that the “Pregnant Students’ Rights Act” would require colleges and universities to inform all enrolled and prospective students of the rights, resources, protections, and accommodations guaranteed to pregnant women on campus.

“No student should have to choose between her child and her education, and, in fact, many services are in place for those who are building their families’ future at school,” Hawkins said, according to a Jan. 14 SFLAction press release. “The least that we can do is simply share information with young families about all those ready to help.”

The bill was introduced Dec. 2, 2025, in the Senate by Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., after it was introduced in the House of Representatives Jan. 13 by Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa. The act has three cosponsors in the Senate and 11 cosponsors in the House, all Republicans.

This is not the first time Republicans have attempted to pass similar legislation. According to SFLAction, Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the same act in 2023. It was referred to a subcommittee, and the Senate did not vote on it.

Some Democratic legislators have voiced their opposition to the bill because it does not contain any requirements for informing students about access to abortions, according to a Jan. 8 SFLAction press release.

“Republicans are denying [pregnant students] the choice to decide what is best for them and their families,” Rep. Robert Scott of Virginia said, according to the Jan. 8 press release. “I will vote no on the bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.”

Hawkins said in the Jan. 14 release that those who oppose the bill would rather have mothers abort their children than help mothers care for their children while pursuing higher education.

“Any Democratic legislator who opposes this bill, hoping that young mothers will abort their preborn children,” she said, “will be unmasked as a cold-hearted hypocrite, actively working against providing help for those in need and willing to hide hope and a future from those who want to succeed at school, at home, and in their career.”