Representative Malinowski Votes to Guarantee Protections for Pregnant Workers

Press Release

Today, the House passed the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to guarantee basic workplace protections for pregnant workers nationwide. The bill requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Representative Malinowski is a cosponsor of this legislation.

"No expecting mother should have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck,"said Representative Malinowski. "The legislation we passed today will ensure equity in the workforce for all pregnant employees."

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would require public and private sector employers with more than 15 employees to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, provided they do not impose an undue burden on their employer. These accommodations might include modifying a no-food-or-drink policy, providing additional break time to use the bathroom, or excusing pregnant workers from strenuous activities. Under this legislation, pregnant workers could not be denied employment opportunities, retaliated against for requesting a reasonable accommodation, or be forced to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation is available.

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