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.

In the context of providing assistance to students based on a pregnancy-related condition, the Title IX Coordinator, or a designee as appropriate, conducts activities such as (but not limited to):

• Assisting University departments and offices in providing reasonable modifications to students based on a pregnancy or related conditions;
• Overseeing communication to University constituents regarding how students may access reasonable modifications based on a pregnancy-related condition;
• Reviewing University policies and facilities to assure institutional compliance with Title IX regarding students experiencing pregnancy or a related condition; and
• Responding to any student complaint regarding pregnancy or a related condition under Title IX to assure prompt and equitable resolution.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Sex-Based Misconduct Policy includes prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on pregnancy and related conditions. For more information, see the Sex-Based Misconduct Policy in the Campus Administrative Manual. The Sex-Based Misconduct Policy is also available in the Student Code, Article 1, Part 1, Section 1-111.

To report an incident online, visit Report an Incident on the We Care site. To reach the Title IX Office, you can call (217) 333-3333 or email titleixcoordinator@illinois.edu. You can also contact the Office for Access & Equity-Equal Employment Opportunity Division (EEO) directly at (217) 333-0885 or via email at eeodivision@illinois.edu.

For updated procedures, visit We Care: Campus Policies and Procedures.

When any University employee is notified by a student, or a person who has a legal right to act on behalf of the student, of the student’s pregnancy or related conditions, the employee must promptly provide that person with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and inform that person that the Title IX Coordinator can coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure the student’s equal access to the university’s education program or activity.

More about employee information sharing obligations.

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.

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.

A student may request a reasonable modification based on pregnancy or a related condition from the Title IX Office. The Title IX Office will meet with the student as part of an individualized assessment to determine what modifications are reasonable. Each reasonable modification will be based upon the student’s individualized needs and the nature of the academic program the student is participating in. The student has the discretion to accept or decline each reasonable modification offered. If a student accepts the offered reasonable modification, the university will work with the student to implement it.

More about the reasonable modifications request process.

Students are permitted to take breaks for lactation/pumping. The Title IX Office can assist in implementing a reasonable modification for lactation breaks for students and in arranging a temporary private room when a permanently designated lactation room is not available.

Lactation Space means a space other than a bathroom, that is clean, shielded from view, free from intrusion from others, and may be used for expressing milk or breast/chestfeeding as needed. The lactation space must be regularly cleaned, have electricity, appropriate seating, a surface sufficient to place a breast pump, and be in reasonable proximity to a sink and running water. For employees, the space must also be in reasonable proximity to the employee’s usual work area and a refrigerator for storing milk.

To see current spaces, visit the Campus Lactation Space Guide.

• Student-Parents at Illinois
• Campus Lactation Space Guide
• Disability Resources & Educational Services
• Temporary Medical Conditions
• Office of Student Financial Aid
• Office of the Registrar
• Student Assistance Center
• McKinley Health Center Women’s Health Department
• Benefits for Graduate Students and Graduate Assistants
• Pregnancy and Related Conditions (CAM HR-49)

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:

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

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