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Pregnancy, Parenting, & Lactation

Loyola University Maryland is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Sex discrimination, which can include discrimination on the basis of current, potential, or past parental, family or marital status is prohibited and illegal in educational programs and activities.

Under the Department of Education’s (ED) Title IX guidance and regulations, an institution that receives federal funding may not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy or related conditions. According to ED, institutions may provide reasonable modifications to ensure the student's equal access to the University's education program or activity.

To receive and/or discuss reasonable modifications for pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions including (but not limited to) pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery therefrom, students may self-disclose through the Student Pregnancy or Related Conditions Self-Disclosure Form or contact Title IX directly. Additional information can be found in The Title IX Rights of Pregnant, Parenting, and Lactating Students policy

Employees who require modificiations or accommodations should contact Human Resources Employee Engagement at 410-617-2354.

Student Rights

Classes and School Activities for Students-

  • Title IX requires that the University provide reasonable modifications to students who need them due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions for as long as is medically necessary.  
  • Loyola University Maryland and its faculty, staff, and other employees shall not require a student to limit their studies or activities due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. 
  • The benefits and services provided to pregnant students will be no less than those provided to students with temporary medical conditions.
  • Pursuant to Title IX, Loyola University Maryland shall treat pregnancy and related conditions as a justification for a voluntary leave of absence for as long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by a student’s licensed healthcare provider.
  • To the extent possible, Loyola University Maryland will take reasonable steps to ensure that pregnant students who take a voluntary leave of absence or medical leave return under the same academic requirements and, as practicable, to the extracurrical status in effect at the time of departure without completing the regaular admissions process. 

To request reasonable modifications due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions contact the Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance. The Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine what reasonable modifications will be necessary to ensure equal access to the educational program or activity. 

Disability:

While pregnancy itself is not a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), some students may have one or more impairments related to pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions that qualify as a “disability” under the ADA. Students experiencing a pregnancy or pregnancy-related disability wanting housing or other accommodations must apply through the Disability and Accessibility Services registration page. Information regarding the Disability and Accessibility Services accommodations process can be found on the Disability and Accessibility Services website

Similarly, employees may have one or more impairments related to pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions that qualify as a "disability" under the ADA. Information about receiving accommodations as an employee can be found by contacting Human Resources (HR).

Leave Related to Pregnancy:

Pregnant individuals and persons with pregnancy-related conditions may choose to take a leave from academics or employment.

For information on student Medical Leave of Absence please visit our FAQ page

For Loyola University employees, please view the Staff and Administrators Policy Manual or Faculty Handbook.

Lactation

Loyola University Maryland promotes a lactation-friendly environment for students and employees.   

Lactation Room Locations and Access:

  • Evergreen Campus – Room 016, located on the lower level of Jenkins Hall.  Visit Jenkins Hall Suite 105 or call 410-617-7319 to check out a key. 
  • Evergreen Campus – Room 010, located on the ground level of the Fernandez Center.  Visit Jenkins Hall Suite 105 or call 410-617-7319 to check out a key. 
  • Loyola Notre Dame Library –Visit their Help Desk or call 410-617-6801 for room access.   
  • Belvedere Square – Room 258, located in the Loyola Clinical Centers. See the staff at the front desk on the first floor or email theclinics@loyola.edu for room access.
  • Ridley Athletic Complex – RAC201E. Visit Jenkins Hall Suite 105 or call 410-617-7319 for room access. This room is intended only for the use of individuals with current swipe access to Ridley.

Please respect all the families who need to use these rooms by keeping the room clean.

For employees of Loyola University Maryland, please refer to the Lactation Accommodation Policy. Additional resources can be found on the HR website.

To request reasonable modificiations due to lactation contact the Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance. The Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine what reasonable modifications will be necessary to ensure equal access to the educational program or activity.

Affordable Care Act:  Breast pumps, Lactation Services, and Coverage

Did you know that some breastfeeding supplies are considered preventive services under the Affordable Care Act?   

  • Electric breast pump (purchase) 
  • Hospital grade electric breast pump (rental) 
  • Manual breast pump (purchase) 
  • Replacement supplies for breast pumps. These supplies include the following: tubing, adapter and cap replacements for breast pump, breast shield and splash protector replacement, polycarbonate bottle and locking ring replacements for breast pump. 

Please contact your health insurance policy for more information.

Retaliation and Harassment:

Harassment of any member of Loyola University Maryland community based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, or parental status is prohibited as is outlined in the Student Code of Conduct for students or the Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures for employees. Students, faculty, staff, and other Loyola University Maryland employees are prohibited from interfering with a student or employee's rights pertaining to Title IX or retaliating against a student or employee for exercising their rights pertaining to Title IX.  

To file a complaint, contact the Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance.