Dismissal on the basis of pregnancy is clearly prohibited under the Magna Carta of Women (MCW). The prohibition against dismissing students on the basis of pregnancy does not distinguish between public or private educational institutions. The CHR is alarmed with the documents circulating in the internet showing Pines City Colleges policy of mandatory pregnancy testing not only as to possible MCW violation but also of other women’s rights particularly on the rights to privacy and bodily autonomy. As Gender Ombud, the Commission through its CAR office is investigating the case motu propio, according to the institution due process and verifying the existence of the policy.

In the past, the CHR has not refused to hold an educational institution in violation of MCW for dismissing a teacher on the basis of pregnancy. (RO 2). Women and girls should not be denied exercise and full enjoyment of basic rights, they should not suffer negative consequences in educational and work spaces, simply because they are pregnant.