Duval Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Pregnant Students Rights Act, a bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of pregnant students and providing them with the necessary resources and support to continue their education while carrying their babies to term. The bill, spearheaded by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), seeks to strengthen the existing requirements for higher education institutions to disclose publicly the rights and assistance available to pregnant students. With this significant step, the legislation now moves on to the Senate for further consideration.

Senator Rubio expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the bill, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to make choices that support their desire to choose life. He stated, "Pregnant college students should never feel like abortion is their only option. The Republican-led House took a huge step in empowering women to choose life by passing this legislation. I encourage my Senate colleagues to follow suit and work to ensure young women are aware of all the resources available to them and their babies while pursuing their education."

Congresswoman Hinson echoed Rubio's sentiments and expressed her disappointment with the opposition from Democrats, who, she claimed, were entrenched in supporting the pro-abortion agenda. Hinson emphasized the need to provide pregnant women on college campuses with resources and information about the protections available under Title IX. She stated, "Pregnant women on college campuses should never be pressured into having an abortion, they should be surrounded with support and empowered to continue their education and their pregnancy. Women who choose to complete their studies while pregnant should be an inspiration to us all, and I find it sad that Democrats are so dug in on the pro-abortion agenda that they would oppose providing pregnant women on college campuses with resources and information about available protections under Title IX. This life-affirming legislation will help save moms and babies and is a vital step toward creating a culture of life in this country."

The Pregnant Students Rights Act has garnered attention and support in previous years as well. In September 2023, Senator Rubio and his colleagues reintroduced the bill to protect the rights of pregnant students. Additionally, in May 2022, Senator Rubio and his colleagues initially introduced the Pregnant Students Rights Act, highlighting the importance of ensuring pregnant students have access to necessary resources and protections.

With the passage of the bill in the House of Representatives, the focus now shifts to the Senate, where the legislation will undergo further examination and debate. The Pregnant Students Rights Act aims to create an environment that supports pregnant students and acknowledges their rights while pursuing their education. By providing them with the necessary information and resources, this legislation seeks to empower pregnant students to make informed choices and continue their academic journey while embracing motherhood.