Title IX Introduced in 1972, Title IX is the federal regulation requiring equal access to education regardless of sex. It's often associated with gender equality in higher education and has a long history of securing women's rights in areas like college athletics and requiring schools to adequately handle sexual harassment and assault. Title IX does not protect access to contraceptives, emergency contraception, or abortion for students. However, it does prohibit discriminating against students on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy (abortion or miscarriage), or recovery from these conditions. It also requires universities to excuse absences related to pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, and recovery time as long as your doctor deems it medically necessary. These protections apply to all aspects of an educational program, including athletics, financial aid, scholarships, career counseling, labs, clinicals, and other areas of the college experience. The Department of Education released proposed changes at the end of June 2022 that, if passed, would strengthen protections for students based on pregnancy and related conditions. Title IX and religious exemptions Schools controlled by religious groups are able to request exemptions to some student protections designated under Title IX. Changes to Title IX under the Trump Administration made it easier for more schools to use religious exemptions and to claim religious exemption after the fact if they are the subject of a Title IX complaint, which is still in effect. A number of lawsuits from students and alumni of religious colleges are currently challenging the legality of both religious exemptions to Title IX and changes under the Trump Administration. The Department of Education published a list in 2016 of all colleges that have received waivers to Title IX's pregnancy and parenting provisions since 2009, which Jessica Lee at The Pregnant Scholar has published in an easy-to-read format. More religious schools may seek waivers to Title IX in the coming years, which could exempt them from legal requirements prohibiting discrimination against certain groups of students. Confidentiality laws related to student healthcare Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) FERPA laws protect students' education records. Health records maintained by your university typically are protected by FERPA instead of HIPAA, the law that usually protects health records outside of colleges. Generally speaking, your school can't disclose your health care records to your parents or others under FERPA without written consent from you. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. They can disclose information without consent in a health or safety emergency if necessary. Records can also be disclosed if you're under 21 and have violated a law or school policy related to drug and alcohol use or possession, or in compliance with a judicial order or court subpoena. Essentially, your school can't legally disclose information about your health to your parents without your consent, unless it's a health or safety emergency. However, some parents may have their children sign FERPA waivers or releases. If you signed this form, your parents will be able to access your health records.