For Immediate Release
June 12, 2023
Contact: Chantal Fuller, Communications Director
202-355-8431
cfuller@dccouncil.gov  

                                                            Councilmember Henderson Introduces Legislation to Expand Educational Access to Expectant Mothers

Washington, DC- Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Extended Student Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Amendment Act of 2023. The bill will add pre-birth complications, childbirth, and postpartum recovery to the list of health conditions which render students eligible for home or hospital instruction under the Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Act of 2020.
 
Currently, when students miss school due to a physical or mental illness, injury, or impairment that prevents them from participating in the day-to-day activities typically expected during school attendance, they are eligible to receive home or hospital instruction provided by their local education agency (LEA). However, students experiencing health conditions such as pre-birth complications, childbirth, and postpartum recovery are excluded from home and hospital instruction programs under the law as interpreted by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
 
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 90% of women who do not give birth during adolescence graduate from high school, but that number drops to 50% for teen mothers. Additionally, in a survey from the Institute of Women’s Policy Research, a third of young women reported that becoming a parent played a major role in their decision to leave school.
 
“If a student experiences pregnancy-related complications or gives birth during the school year, we should not put up any additional barriers that would prevent them from continuing or completing their education,” Councilmember Henderson said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and guarantee instruction tailored to all students in the District of Columbia whose health needs require common-sense accommodations.”

The Extended Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Amendment Act of 2023 was co-introduced by Councilmembers Charles Allen, Robert C. White, Jr., Anita Bonds, Vincent C. Gray, and co-sponsored by Councilmember Matthew Frumin.

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