WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. House passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by a vote of 135 to 101. Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) agrees that pregnant workers deserve protection against unfair discrimination and should be granted reasonable accommodations in the workplace, but the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would not advance these goals.
Jennifer Braceras, director of the Independent Women’s Law Center, said, “Pregnancy discrimination has been illegal in the U.S. since 1978. Congress should amend the Pregnancy Discrimination Act to clarify that a pregnant worker must receive the same accommodations as other workers with similar abilities and limitations. Doing so would protect pregnant workers without creating unnecessary new laws or duplicative burdens on employers.”
IWF released its Working for Women report in early 2020 on policy reforms, including clarifying the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, that would benefit women. The full report can be found HERE.
###
Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that actually enhance people’s freedom, opportunities, and well-being.