Pregnancy and Related Conditions Support

Pregnancy or related conditions includes: 

1. Pregnancy 
2. Childbirth 
3. Termination of pregnancy (this includes the end of pregnancy in any manner, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion) 
4. Lactation 
5. Medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation 
6. Recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions 

Examples of medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation: 

• Pregnancy-related fatigue 
• Dehydration (or the need for increased water intake) 
• Nausea (or morning sickness) 
• Increased body temperature 
• Anemia 
• Bladder dysfunction 
• Gestational diabetes 
• Preeclampsia 
• Hyperemesis gravidarum (i.e., severe nausea and vomiting) 
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Infertility 
• Recovery from childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion 
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Prenatal or postpartum depression 
• Lactation conditions such as swelling or leaking of breast tissue or mastitis 

What does “potential” mean when referencing potential pregnancy or related conditions? 

The Department of Education interprets the word “potential” to cover pregnancy or related conditions that are expected, likely, or have the capacity to occur. 

When the Title IX Coordinator is notified of a student’s pregnancy or related condition, the Title IX Coordinator, or an appropriate designee, must inform the student of the following information:

1. Options regarding reasonable modifications based on pregnancy or related conditions;
2. Options, if any, on a voluntary basis to participate in any separate and comparable portion of the University’s education program or activity;
3. Options regarding a voluntary leave of absence;
4. The availability of lactation spaces;
5. The University policy which prohibits sex discrimination; and
6. Grievance procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints of sex discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions.

Students or employees who report experiencing harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation because they are affected by pregnancy or related conditions can report to either: 

The Office for Access & Equity: EEO Compliance

614 E. Daniel Street, Suite 303 
Champaign, IL 61820 
(217) 333-0885 (Option #2) 
eeodivision@illinois.edu

Title IX Office 

614 E. Daniel Street, Suite 303 
Champaign, IL 61820 
(217) 333-3333
titleixcoordinator@illinois.edu 

Reports may be evaluated under appropriate university policy, which may include the Nondiscrimination Policy or the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Each policy contains information about process and procedures.

The university does not disclose personally identifiable information obtained in the course of complying with the Pregnancy and Related Conditions Policy, except in the following circumstances: 

• When the university has obtained prior written consent from a person with the legal right to consent to the disclosure; 
• When the information is disclosed to a parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative with the legal right to receive disclosures on behalf of the person whose personally identifiable information is at issue; 
• To carry out the purposes of the Pregnancy and Related Conditions Policy, including action taken to address conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination under Title IX in the university’s education program or activity; 
• As required by Federal law, Federal regulations, or the terms and conditions of a Federal award, including a grant award or other funding agreement; or 
• To the extent such disclosures are not otherwise in conflict with Title IX regulations, when required by State or local law or when permitted under FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, or its implementing regulations, 34 CFR part 99. 

Ask for Help

You can meet with us in the Title IX Office regarding what the university can do to support you in continuing your education.

Keep Notes

Keep notes about your absences related to pregnancy or related conditions, any instances of harassment and your interactions with school officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to the Title IX Coordinator, a counselor, or other staff.

File a Complaint

If you feel your school is discriminating against you because of your pregnancy or related condition, you may file a complaint:

In court, even if you have not filed a complaint with your school or with OCR.

Using the university’s internal Title IX grievance procedures We Care: Campus Policies and Procedures.

With the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), even if you have not filed a complaint with your school. If you file with OCR, make sure you do so within 180 days of when the discrimination took place.

Source: Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School, Department of Education Office for Civil Rights