§18-35-2. Policy enacted.

(a) A student’s absence due to a student’s pregnancy or parenting needs is an excused absence as provided under this section and for purposed of §18-8-4(a)(1) of this code.

(b) The State Board of Education shall develop a written attendance policy for pregnant and parenting students that, at a minimum, meets the requirements of this article. The policy developed under this section shall:

(1) Excuse all absences due to pregnancy or parenting-related conditions, including absences for:

(A) Labor;

(B) Delivery;

(C) Recovery; and

(D) Prenatal and postnatal medical appointments;

(2) Provide at least 8 weeks of excused absences for a mother for the birth of the student’s child, including both natural/vaginal delivery and c-section delivery;

(3) Provide excused absences for antenatal care by recommendation of the medical provider;

(4) Provide two weeks excused absence for the father of the child;

(A) A doctor’s or medical excuse shall be provided up to the initial 8 weeks' absence and a separate excuse for each period of absence after the initial 8 weeks.

(B) County boards shall make reasonable efforts to encourage the parent to remain on track for graduation by providing academic support options including, but not limited to, work provided virtually and a homebound instructor for weekly visits to ensure accountability.

(5) Provide an excused absence for parenting students whose children are sick: Provided, That they shall provide a doctor’s excuse for that child.

(6) The schools shall refer the pregnant and parenting student to a "pregnancy help organization" by providing a list of pregnancy or postpartum assistance organizations within the county and surrounding counties as defined under §16-66-1 of this code.