Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

Currently, beyond the everyday stressors our students experience, lactating students also face difficulties in attending class regularly due to having to express breast milk. Additionally, pregnant, lactating, or parenting students will often face penalties for having “unexcused” absences that are, in reality, related to pregnancy, lactation, marriage and parenting. In Pennsylvania, we do not have any law that provides these students with protections that allow them to finish their studies, which will enable them to earn a diploma and attain family-sustaining employment.
 
This is why I am introducing legislation to provide pregnant and lactating students with reasonable accommodations to express breast milk or breastfeed their children without a penalty for missing class. Additionally, this legislation will include a list of protections for married, pregnant, lactating, and parenting students to encourage them to continue their studies. The Philadelphia School District already has such a policy in place, as they recognize that young parents who leave school early face greater hardship and poverty than young people who complete their education.
 
Please join me in ensuring students with the responsibilities of being a parent can continue their studies. Your consideration and co-sponsorship are appreciated.