Staying in School
Can I be excused from school because I’m pregnant or because of my child’s needs?
Yes, according to Louisiana law, the all school districts must adopt an attendance policy for pregnant and parenting students that shall:
“Excuse absences due to conditions related to pregnancy or parenting, including but not limited to labor, delivery, and recovery; prenatal and postnatal medical appointments and other medically necessary pregnancy-related absences; a child's illness or medical appointment; and legal appointments related to pregnancy or parenting, including but not limited to adoption, custody, and visitation.”
Can I stay in school if I’m pregnant?
If you are a pregnant or parenting student, you should know that under Title IX, you have a right to stay in school so you can meet your education and career goals.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions, such as abortion—in educational programs and activities that get federal funding. This means that schools must give all students who might be, are, or have been pregnant the same access to school programs and educational opportunities that other students have. Your professors or administrators should not tell you that you have to drop out of your classes or program or change your educational plans due to your pregnancy.