Maternity protection
Since January 1, 2018, the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) also applies to students. Students covered by the Act include individuals who are pregnant, have suffered a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy, have given birth, or are breastfeeding.
The aim of maternity protection is to enable pregnant and breastfeeding students to continue their studies without endangering their own health or that of their child before and after birth.
In the event of a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy, there is also an entitlement to maternity protection.
Any disadvantages resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding must be avoided or compensated for as far as possible.
The Maternity Protection Act protects against health risks and disadvantages during pregnancy, after miscarriage, after childbirth, and during breastfeeding.
How do I report my pregnancy, miscarriage or breastfeeding?
According to § 15 MuSchG, you are not required to inform the university about your pregnancy or expected due date. This also applies if you are breastfeeding or have suffered a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy.
However, we strongly recommend informing the university in your own interest so that you can benefit from the protective rights under the Maternity Protection Act. The university can only identify and prevent potential risks to you and your child and take necessary protective measures if it is informed in good time.
To notify us, please complete the maternity protection notification form
and upload proof of your pregnancy (a doctor’s certificate or a midwife’s certificate stating the expected due date). For breastfeeding, please upload the birth certificate. To report a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy, please upload a medical certificate confirming the end of the pregnancy.
In addition, the MuSchG requires the university to notify the responsible supervisory authority (the Arnsberg District Government). You can give your consent for this via the notification form.
The university will contact you as soon as possible after receiving your notification.
If you are also employed at TU Dortmund University
If you work as a student assistant or research assistant at TU Dortmund University, you must also notify the the Human Resources Department of your pregnancy, miscarriage, or breastfeeding. You can find an overview of contact persons on the Human Resources Department website.
Risk assessment
After your notification, the relevant parties will be informed (Department of Occupational, Environmental and Health Protection and the contact persons in your faculty). Please contact Claudia Hannappel for the risk assessment once you have submitted your notification and received an email from the Family Service.
We also ask you to complete the questionnaire and, if necessary, submit an overview of current courses.
Together with you and your lecturers, Claudia Hannappel will assess whether any risks exist and what special requirements may be necessary to continue your studies safely.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact the Family Service.
FAQ
Information and advice services
Leave of absence during studies
You can take a leave of absence during your studies due to your pregnancy or to bring up/care for relatives.
Central examination administration
Do you have questions about examination regulations, certificates or do you need a grade certificate? Here you will find the contact persons at the Central Examination Office.
General student advisory service
The General Student Advisory Service team will advise you on various topics such as the content and requirements of your degree course, the organization and design of your degree course, changing degree course or subject or doubts about your degree…
Psychological counseling
Psychological student counseling is not primarily based on an understanding of illness, but seeks to provide support in developing coping strategies in difficult life situations.
Anonymous counseling for women* and parents
The AStA offers anonymous counseling where topics such as pregnancy and studying with a child (financial, structural, psychological issues) or relationship problems such as family stress can be discussed.
Central counseling center for protection against discrimination and sexualized violence - SchuDS
Affected by discrimination and/or sex. Affected by violence or observed something? Counseling can be provided in person on site, by telephone, e-mail or Zoom. Counseling is free of charge, subject to confidentiality and anonymous if desired.