Pregnancy-Related Resources for Students
Division of Student AffairsSupport During Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Conditions
MCPHS is committed to supporting students who are pregnant, experiencing pregnancy-related conditions, or recovering from childbirth.
Under Title IX, students are protected from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy, lactation, and recovery from any of these conditions.
If you are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy-related condition, we encourage you to contact the Dean of Students Office as early as possible to discuss available support and resources.
The Dean of Students Office serves as a central resource for students seeking support during pregnancy and recovery.
The office can help:
- Discuss available reasonable modifications
- Coordinate communication with faculty, when appropriate
- Explain documentation requirements
- Connect students with campus resources
- Provide ongoing support throughout pregnancy and recovery
Contact: student_affairs@mcphs.edu
Additional Resources and Support
MCPHS provides dedicated lactation spaces to support students who are nursing or expressing milk while attending classes and participating in campus activities.
What Are Lactation Spaces?
Lactation spaces are private rooms designed to provide a comfortable, secure, and clean environment for nursing parents to breastfeed, chest feed, or pump milk.
Lactation Space Locations
|
Campus |
Location |
Access |
|
Boston |
White Building, 4th Floor |
Email Student Affairs to request access. Please allow up to 24 hours for access to be activated on your MCPHS ID card. |
|
Worcester |
40 Foster Street, Room 216
|
Open access. Doors can be locked from the inside for privacy. |
|
Manchester |
Brant Building, Room 123 |
Open access. The door can be locked from the inside for privacy. |
Boston Campus Access Information
Students who wish to use the Boston lactation space should contact Student Affairs to request access. Once approved, access will be added to your MCPHS ID card within approximately 24 hours.
The lactation room is reserved for lactation-related use only and should not be used for any other purpose.
If the room is in use and you need immediate access to a private space, please visit the Dean of Students Office on the third floor of the Fennell Building (near rooms F307/F308) for assistance.
Questions or Need Assistance?
For questions about student lactation spaces or to request access on the Boston campus, please contact Student Affairs.
Faculty and staff can find information about lactation spaces on the Human Resources department page.
Students may find support through a variety of campus offices and services, including:
Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate office to learn more about available support and resources.
Support for Student Parents
Many students balance academics with parenting and other family responsibilities. Managing childcare, scheduling, and academic commitments can present unique challenges throughout your educational journey.
Students seeking support may contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance with:
- Navigating academic and personal responsibilities
- Referrals to community childcare resources
- Leave-related guidance
- Connections to available campus support services
Building Community
Students interested in connecting with other student parents are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office. The office can provide guidance and support for students interested in creating or participating in a peer support network.
Faculty play an important role in supporting students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and Title IX requirements.
When to Contact the Dean of Students Office
Faculty should contact the Dean of Students Office when:
- A student discloses a pregnancy or pregnancy-related needs
- A student requests flexibility related to pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery
- There is uncertainty about appropriate support options
- Clarification is needed regarding approved modifications
- A student receiving disability accommodations develops additional pregnancy-related needs
Contact: student_affairs@mcphs.edu or complete a SOC referral.
Faculty Responsibilities
Respect Student Privacy
Faculty should not request medical details related to a student's pregnancy. Information shared by a student should be treated respectfully and shared only with appropriate offices involved in coordinating support.
Refer Students to the Dean of Students Office for Support
Faculty should not independently determine pregnancy-related support arrangements. Students seeking assistance should be referred to the Dean of Students Office so that support can be reviewed and coordinated through the appropriate institutional process.
Understanding Pregnancy-Related Modifications
While some supports may resemble disability-related accommodation, pregnancy is not classified as a disability. As such, pregnancy-related needs must be addressed through the Dean of Students Office, not disability services (OSAA), unless a separate, qualifying disability exists.
Pregnancy and related conditions—including childbirth, recovery, and related medical needs—are explicitly protected under Title IX. These protections operate independently from disability law. When a student presents with both a pregnancy-related condition and a separate medical condition that may meet disability criteria, coordination between offices may occur—but these are distinct processes.
Implement Approved Modifications
When modifications are approved and communicated by the Dean of Students Office, faculty are expected to implement them consistently and in a timely manner.
These arrangements are designed to ensure equal access while maintaining academic integrity. Faculty are encouraged to work with academic leadership and the Dean of Students Office when questions arise about how to maintain course or program requirements while supporting student access.