MIAMI (November 22, 2012)--Schools across the country are grappling with how to handle pregnant and parenting students.

Some schools expel them or penalize pregnancy-related absences and others say they can't afford costly support programs such as tutoring, childcare and transportation.

But a new report by the National Women's Law Center says offering pregnant teens extra support would ultimately save taxpayers money by helping the teens become financially independent and not dependent on welfare.

Advocates are pushing for greater adherence to a 1972 law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities.

Florida, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania have developed programs to help improve graduate rates among pregnant girls and young mothers.