The following content, including all additional information pages, is provided in English for informational purposes only. The legally binding version is the German text.
Special circumstances
Students whose studies are affected by pregnancy or chronic physical and/or mental health conditions can receive advice and support.
Pregnancy
Dear Student,
congratulations on your pregnancy! We would like to provide you with some important information regarding maternity protection.
The Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz (MuSchG)), which was revised as of January 1, 2018, is designed to protect the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their (unborn) children. It applies to students as well as employees and requires employers and training institutions to organize the workplace or training environment in a way that does not endanger the life or health of the mother or child. At the same time, the goal is to enable students to continue their education as far as possible and to prevent any disadvantages.
What steps should you take if you are pregnant?
The following translated content is provided for informational purposes only. Only the German version is legally binding:
In order to ensure that your place of study is arranged in a way that does not pose any risk to you or your child, you should notify us of your pregnancy and the expected due date as early as possible. According to § 10 of the Maternity Protection Act (§ 10 MuSchG), a risk assessment related to your course of study or specific activities must be conducted. This assessment examines any hazards that a pregnant or breastfeeding woman or her child may be exposed to and determines whether maternity protection measures are necessary, and if so, which ones. Upon presentation of your maternity record ("Mutterpass"), the Office of Student Affairs at the Medical Faculty of Bonn will also issue you an "Internal Maternity Protection Pass for Female Medical Students." This pass is intended to help ensure appropriate participation in courses or activities where potential risks may exist.
Occupational Health Service
If you require additional consultation, you can contact the Occupational Health Service.
Occupational Health Service
+49 228 287-19242
betriebsaerztlicherdienst(at)ukbonn.de
The Occupational Health Service can advise you on possible areas of study placement as well as potential limitations and will provide support throughout your entire pregnancy (information for expectant mothers). If you require consultation, please bring your vaccination record and, if available, any results of serological tests. Relevant blood tests can also be arranged free of charge by the occupational physician.
Further information
Further information can be found in our information flyer, the fact sheet, and at the following links:
Who is the advising service for?
- Do you have a long-term health condition, such as a chronic or mental illness (e.g. Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder), or a (severe) disability?
- And are you wondering whether – and how – you can balance your studies and your health?
- Or have you already experienced challenges or difficulties in the past due to your health condition and would like to know what types of support or compensation are available during your studies?
- Do you need academic accommodations for coursework or examinations due to a disadvantage or impairment?