Decades of anecdotal evidence have shown time and time again that women and pregnant workers can and have experienced discrimination in the workplace. From putting their bodies and pregnancies at risk to being discriminated against for pregnancy, reproductive rights show up in the workplace.
According to the ACLU: "[T]he Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), signed by President Biden in December 2022...mandates “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant workers unless providing them would impose an “undue hardship” on their employer. For millions of U.S. workers, the new law promises to assure they no longer will have to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy."
"[E]xisting legal protections have been glaringly insufficient for workers whose duties may conflict with pregnancy’s physical realities — such as cashiers (prolonged standing), nurses (repetitive heavy lifting), custodians (exposure to chemicals), and firefighters (battling potentially lethal blazes)."
With more protections in place, pregnant workers can see a more equitable workplace and work-life balance. However, the work AGAINST this legislation was unsurprisingly among a party-line vote. 101 House Republicans voted against this legislation...the same people, in the same party, who actively claim to be "pro-life."
Why?
Because it is expanded protections for workers. John, this is the hypocrisy we face on the reproductive justice front. GOP lawmakers claim to care about "life," then vote down legislation that would help lives. Help us fight back. | 