New Regulations Benefit Pregnant Workers: Positive Development for Women

New Rules Help Pregnant Workers: Important for Women

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made new rules about pregnant workers’ rights. The rules are for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). This law says employers must make “reasonable accommodation” for pregnant workers. It started last summer, but now there are more details to help workers, employers, and courts understand the law better.

This is good news for workers like:

Michelle from Alabama, who had to take unpaid leave because her employer wouldn’t let her avoid heavy lifting while pregnant.
Katia from Indiana, who got fired for missing work due to bad morning sickness.
Jennifer from Illinois, who had to take unpaid leave when she couldn’t switch to a desk job during pregnancy.

Many people, especially Black and Brown women, work in tough jobs that can be dangerous during pregnancy. But they often don’t get the help they need. The new rules aim to fix that.

The PWFA is the first law in 45 years to protect pregnant workers’ rights. It helps pregnant workers get changes at work to stay safe and healthy. These changes can be small, like starting work later, or big, like avoiding dangerous tasks.

The law is supported by many groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Image credit: . (Mango Productions / Getty Images)

Some people don’t like that the law includes time off for abortion care. They think it forces employers to be involved in their workers’ abortion decisions. But the law says employers can’t discriminate based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions—including abortion.

Religious employers also have to follow the law. They can’t use their beliefs to discriminate against pregnant workers.

The PWFA helps workers get the medical care they need without risking their jobs. It’s especially important now, with many states restricting access to abortion. No one should have to choose between their health and their job.

Repurposed article originally published in Ms.