Get the Facts - Know your rights
- Download kit (PDF 1.7 MB)
- Order a printed copy
- Leaflet
- Download leaflet (PDF 341 kb)
Indigenous Women and Pregnancy Discrimination
FACT SHEET 5: Pregnancy Discrimination in Education
Pregnant students and young parents have the right to an education in a safe and supportive environment, free from harassment and discrimination. There are lots of things your school can do to make it easier for you to finish school if you are pregnant or have a child. Mostly this will involve your school being supportive and a bit flexible with things like assessment times, uniforms, attendance, and allowing you to have contact with your baby during the day to breastfeed.
There are also some schools in all States and Territories which have a special focus on helping young mums to stay at school. They have programs and teachers there to help you deal with having a baby and being a young parent. To find out more about these schools, contact the Department of Education in your State or Territory.
Australian discrimination laws apply to educational institutions including schools, universities and technical colleges. In general, as a student (or a teacher) at a public school, technical college or university you cannot be discriminated against because you are pregnant, may become pregnant or because you are breastfeeding. That means that you cannot be expelled or not allowed to enrol because of your pregnancy.
Trainees and apprentices are also covered by
anti-discrimination laws. If you are at TAFE and doing
an apprenticeship you may need to suspend your
apprenticeship while you take time out to have your
baby, but you can still return to it.
Example: Rebecca is in year 10 at high school
when she finds out she is pregnant. Her school
principal says that she will not be allowed to
come back to school after the holidays because it
would set a bad example to the other girls. This is
likely to be unlawful discrimination.
