Dear John,
Pregnant workers are forced to choose between their paycheck and the health of their pregnancy way too often. Some people even get fired.
Despite existing protections, pregnant workers still face workplace discrimination. Pregnant people are forced out of their jobs or denied small accommodations – such as sitting instead of standing or carrying a water bottle – that would keep them working and supporting their families.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act could end this form of pregnancy discrimination, promote healthy pregnancies and protect the economic security of pregnant women and their families.
Join us in calling on Congress to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in its next spending bill.
It’s past time for this bipartisan, commonsense bill to finally be signed into law. Here’s why:
Women in every industry report pregnancy discrimination, including in the industries with the highest share of female workers, such as health care and social assistance and educational services.
Black women are disproportionately affected. They are more likely to work in inflexible and physically demanding jobs that can present specific challenges for pregnant workers, such as home health aides, food service workers, package handlers and cleaners. Pregnant people deserve the right to discuss accommodations, like more frequent bathroom breaks, without worrying about being fired.
Black women are also at a higher risk for pregnancy-related complications like pre-term labor, preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders, which can make a loss of wages and health insurance due to pregnancy discrimination especially challenging. Passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is critical to addressing the Black maternal health crisis.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would create a clear, predictable rule: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for limitations arising out of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Pregnant workers may also request such accommodations without fear of punishment.
Join us in calling on Congress to act — right now — to support pregnant workers.
Thank you!
— Jake
Jake McDonald
Economic Justice Policy Counsel
