Overview
UAB will treat pregnancy or related conditions the same as any other temporary medical conditions for all job-related purposes, including commencement; duration and extensions of leave; payment of disability income; accrual of seniority and any other benefit or service; and reinstatement; and under any fringe benefit offered to employees by virtue of employment. Employees who are pregnant or have related conditions are encouraged to contact their Human Resources representative to discuss accommodations for known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Pregnancy or related conditions includes:
- Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation;
- Medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; or
- Recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions.
Reasonable Accommodations
The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees who have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations are coordinated and documented by Human Resources. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis considering the employee’s individual needs and the needs of the department. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are listed below (this is not intended to be a complete list):
- The ability to sip or drink water while on the job;
- Flexible work hours;
- Appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel;
- Additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest;
- Leave or time off to recover from childbirth; and
- Excusal from strenuous activities and/or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.
For more information, please contact your Human Resources Consultant.
Parental Leave
UAB is committed to creating and maintaining a work culture that supports faculty and staff in their efforts to balance work and family. UAB's Paid Parental Leave Policy supports these efforts by allowing parents additional flexibility and time to bond with their new child, adjust to a new family situation and balance professional obligations.
For more information, please review the Paid Parental Leave policy.
Resources
- UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center
- Employees with Childcare Needs
- Summer Camps
- FMLA
- UAB Pregnant Worker Fairness Act
- Support for UAB Parents & Families
How to Support Pregnant Students
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How can faculty support students?
- Faculty members meet with students to discuss and arrange a reasonable modification outlined in the Letter of Support. If faculty have questions regarding the appropriateness of the modifications, they may contact the Title IX Office for assistance before deviating from the noted modifications.
- Set expectations for a welcoming environment for pregnant and parenting students.
- Provide academic modifications for students experiencing impairments related to pregnancy and conditions related to pregnancy.
- Remain flexible and communicate with students regarding missed assignments.
- Faculty members do not have to modify the essential elements of an academic program. Faculty participation is vital and should involve collaboration to ensure students receive reasonable modifications.
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What do I do if a student tells me they’re pregnant?
Ask them if they need any modifications or have met with the Title IX Office. If they have not, refer them to the Title IX Office.
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What do I do if a student tells me they need to miss class due to a pregnancy or related condition?
We excuse all medically necessary absences for pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery. This includes doctor appointments. Faculty members should excuse those absences deemed medically necessary by the appropriate medical professional via the Title IX Office. Students should be referred to the Title IX Office to document their medical needs.
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Can I ask a student to prove they’re pregnant or provide a doctor’s note?
Faculty cannot ask for a doctor’s notes. Please refer the student to the Title IX Office for documentation and support.
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What do reasonable modifications look like for a pregnant student?
Reasonable modifications could be frequent bathroom breaks, a larger desk, or a different chair if needed. The length of time needed for medically required absences can vary depending on the student's situation.
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What verbiage should I include in syllabi to ensure non-discrimination and reasonable modifications for pregnant or parenting students?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is committed to providing an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment and discrimination based on pregnancy. If you have experienced sex discrimination, we encourage you to report the incident. UAB provides several avenues for reporting. For more information about Title IX, policy, reporting, protections, resources and supports, please visit the UAB Title IX webpage.