Pascrell Votes to Protect Pregnant Workers from Workplace Discrimination

Statement

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today voted in favor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694), legislation that will protect pregnant employees from discrimination in the workplace. Co-sponsored by Pascrell, the legislation will require employers to make reasonable accommodations for their pregnant staff to continue working and prevent them from being forced to take leave or quit. The bill also prohibits employers from denying employment opportunities to workers based on their need for accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It was passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 329-73.

"Women make up almost half the workforce and yet they continue to face cruel and needless obstacles in the workplace. Discrimination against pregnant workers is egregious and today we're taking action to end it," said Rep. Pascrell. "Our legislation will ensure that pregnant workers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. By requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, we can ensure that no one is forced out of their job or denied opportunities due to pregnancy or childbirth. Now that our legislation heads to the Senate, House Democrats will continue fighting for paid family and medical leave and to close the wage gap once and for all. Equity in the workplace is a key component of our fight to establish equality for all in America and we will not give up until we have it."

Rep. Pascrell uses his position on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee to offer stringent support for paid family leave, women's health care, and the right to choose. In March, Pascrell helped pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), which provides up to 12 weeks of leave to employees who are prevented from working due to caring for a child whose school or daycare has been closed because of COVID-19. Pascrell last year lambasted the Trump administration's decision to implement its Title X domestic gag rule. A proud advocate for increased family planning and education funding, Pascrell is a cosponsor of H.R. 2975, the Women's Health Protection Act, which protects a woman's ability to determine whether and when to bear a child or end a pregnancy, and guards providers' ability to provide reproductive health care services.

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