Section 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:(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.Added by 2024 Acts, ch. TBD (SB 568), eff. 6/7/2024.