Pregnancy & Related Conditions

Modifications are designed to prevent sex-based discrimination by ensuring that students who are pregnant or experiencing related conditions are treated fairly and equitably.

Modifications allow for enough flexibility in the educational environment for students to continue to engage in their academics.

Title IX protects individuals affected by:

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Termination of pregnancy
• Lactation
• Related conditions, including recovery

For some individuals, pre-existing conditions or treatment plans may be exacerbated or disrupted by their pregnancy or related condition. In some of these cases, coordination with Disability Resources for Students (DRS) may be necessary. More information about disability-related accommodations is available in the FAQ about DRS.

Common modifications may include: 

• Extensions on deadlines or opportunities for make-up assignments or tests.
• Adjusted attendance requirements to accommodate pregnancy-related absences.
• Excused intermittent absences for healthcare appointments.
• Permission to leave class to pump or express milk.
• Extra breaks for eating, drinking, or restroom use.
• Avoiding exposure to chemicals or providing additional protective equipment.

Yes, a student can contact their instructors directly. Instructors should not ask for, and students should not provide, medical documentation. If an instructor does not believe the request is reasonable and does not intend to implement it, they must consult with a Civil Rights Case Manager. CRC is responsible for ensuring that reasonable modifications are provided when needed

1. Contact your instructor or department. If you feel comfortable, discuss your situation with your instructor. You can request reasonable modifications from your instructor, such as make-up work, excused absences, or extended deadlines.
2. Submit the Pregnancy & Related Conditions Support Form. This will connect you with a Civil Rights Case Manager who can guide you through the process of obtaining support. Case managers can also support you to learn more about how DRS can provide accommodations.
3. Meet with a Civil Rights Case Manager. After submitting the form, a Civil Rights Case Manager will email you within three business days to schedule an appointment. During this meeting, you can share your situation and learn about options tailored to your needs.

If you need accommodations due to a pregnancy-related temporary medical condition or disability, you may qualify for and benefit from Disability Resources for Students (DRS) support. Civil Rights Case Managers will help you determine whether registering with DRS is an appropriate option for you.

Student employees should also review the FAQ about employees accessing support.

1. Follow guidance from Human Resources. For employee accommodations, modifications, or medical leave, follow the UW Human Resources (UWHR) guidance.
2. Contact the Disability Services Office. If you need further assistance or have questions, contact the Disability Services Office (DSO). They can help with disability-related support during pregnancy and related medical conditions.
3. Submit the Pregnancy and Related Conditions Support Form. If your needs are not met after working with UWHR and DSO, you can complete the Pregnancy & Related Conditions Support Form. This will connect you with a Civil Rights Case Manager who can guide you through obtaining support.

If the need for a reasonable modification is related to the classroom, they should submit a Pregnancy & Related Conditions Support Form to connect with a Civil Rights Case Manager. If the need for a modification is related to the workplace, they should work with the Disability Services Office (DSO) in Human Resources. If a student is uncertain where their concern can best be addressed, they can consult with a case manager for further guidance.

Faculty and staff play a crucial role in ensuring students are aware of their rights and options when they disclose a pregnancy or a related condition. Your support helps ensure equitable access to education, prevents discrimination, and enables students to stay on track academically.

• Include the Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) information in your syllabus: The CRC Syllabus Statement connects students to resources for pregnancy and related conditions, as well as broader civil rights discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
• Implement reasonable modifications: If you are an instructor, consider working directly with students to develop a plan that meets their needs while upholding the academic rigor expected of all students. Most modifications can be implemented without consulting with CRC. Consult with CRC: If you have questions or intend to deny a modification request, please contact CRC through the Pregnancy & Related Conditions Support Form to ensure compliance and equity.
• Consult with colleagues: You may find it helpful to consult with colleagues who have experience supporting students with similar needs. Their insights can guide your approach and help ensure consistency within your department.
• Refer students to the support form: We strongly encourage referring students to the Pregnancy & Related Conditions Support Form to connect them with a Civil Rights Case Manager. Case managers can assist students in developing a comprehensive plan that addresses their academic and personal needs. This may include connecting students to resources such as Disability Resources for Students or other services to ensure their success now and in the future.

These are exactly the types of cases where we want to be proactively partnering with students as early as possible after they know they are pregnant or experiencing related conditions. What qualifies as a reasonable modification depends on the specific circumstances of the student, their placement, and their program requirements. Our case managers can help students develop a plan most appropriate to their case and in partnership with their program.

If you’ve requested a reasonable modification from an instructor or supervisor that has been denied, you may contact the Civil Rights Compliance Office for further assistance.

If you believe someone has discriminated against you or engaged in harassment because of your sex or gender, including because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, use the Civil Rights & Title IX Reporting Form to get connected with a Civil Rights Case Manager who will meet with you and explain formal and informal options for addressing your concerns.

Disability Resources for Students (DRS) offices on all three campuses to help students access disability-related accommodations. DRS’s services for academic environments are based on documentation from healthcare providers and address the needs of individuals with disabilities, temporary medical conditions, or in some cases pregnancy-related health conditions. When appropriate, our Case Management team collaborates closely with each campus DRS office.

To learn more, refer to the list of accommodations available. Please note that DRS requires documentation and follows a specific process to provide services.

Some students may want to take a break from classes after giving birth, experiencing complications, or needing to manage a related medical condition. The process for requesting and accessing leave may vary depending on your student status.

• Undergraduates: You may take breaks according to your program requirements as an undergraduate student. Talk to your program or department and review the withdrawal and leave policies on the Office of the University Registrar website to learn more.
• Graduate students: Review the graduate on leave policy relevant to your role and contact your department to discuss your options.
• Professional students: Review the withdrawal and leave policies on the Office of the Registrar website and contact your department to discuss your options.

The duration of leave you may need and its impact on your academic progress will depend on your medical needs, program requirements, and timing within the academic year. Extended leave may necessitate enrolling in additional quarters to complete your coursework and could have financial implications.

After your leave, you can return to your previous student status. However, this might affect which courses are available for students in professional programs. You may need to wait for classes that are only offered at specific times.

Consider taking the following actions as soon as possible:

• Create a plan: Meet with a Civil Rights Case Manager as early as possible to create a tailored plan for your pregnancy and childbirth.
• Contact your department: Coordinate with your department to arrange leave for childbirth and postpartum recovery. Plans may be tentative until after childbirth, when you will need a letter from your healthcare provider detailing the medically necessary leave.

Your department may refer you to Disability Resources for Students (DRS). If DRS doesn’t approve the full leave your healthcare provider recommends, contact a Civil Rights Case Manager for additional support.

Yes, the location of lactation stations can be found on the lactation spaces pages of the UW Human Resources website.

Title IX rights and protections do not extend to childcare assistance, so Civil Rights Case Managers are not able to offer support in this area. If you are a student, the childcare assistance programs on the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses may provide information about helping you cover childcare costs.

Employees and students are eligible for childcare programs coordinated by UW Human Resources. For more information, consult the childcare and caregiving section of the UWHR website.