DENVER -- The Denver Public School District could soon be giving new teen moms some time off from classes after the birth of a child.

The maternity leave could last four to six weeks. Currently, there is no language within the district's attendance policy that states how much maternity leave a new mother should receive.

"It's about the communication between the student, the parent, the doctor and the school," said DPS spokesman Alex Sanchez of the current policy regarding how much time off a pregnant student receives after giving birth.

The potential policy change comes after a group of counselors and students from Denver's East High School brought the issue to the attention of the Board of Education last month.

The group argues the current policy requires new mothers to return to class just days after being discharged from the hospital in order to avoid unexcused absences.

"They need support. They don't need to be badgered, and made to feel bad because they are pregnant," said East High senior Laqoya Thornton. "Give them a computer so they can do their schoolwork from home. So they can be with their newborn. They need that attachment and that bond."

"I give them props because it's hard to be pregnant and attend this school. There are a lot of stares and there is a lot of peer pressure. So for them to even come to school and not drop out, that says a lot. They realize they made a mistake, but they're still trying to do the right thing," said East High sophomore Lelia Hobley.

Many experts said the district should have a policy in place that is supportive of teen mothers and the tough decisions they face.

"I'm all for the DPS taking this as a very serious issue so that young mothers can become good mothers," said Maureen Yockey, CEO of Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Denver. "There should be a policy that gives students a certain number of weeks off if they so choose."

The student services department is reviewing the policy and is expected to make its recommendations to the superintendent later this month.

The superintendent will then decide whether to implement any changes.

"We can then discuss whether it should be three weeks, whether it should be six weeks, whether it should be up to the doctor, whether it should be up to the family," said Sanchez.