U.S. Rep. Lawrence Votes to Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Protection for Pregnant Workers

Press Release

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Co-Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, voted to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation establishes a pregnant worker's clear-cut right to reasonable workplace accommodations--such as appropriate seating, water breaks, and relief from heavy lifting--so they can continue working without jeopardizing their pregnancy. Currently, there is no federal law that explicitly and affirmatively guarantees all pregnant workers the right to basic accommodations.

"Across the country, pregnant workers are being fired, refused basic accommodations, or denied employment opportunities. This is completely unacceptable, especially as women disproportionately make up our frontline workers," said Rep. Lawrence. "It's far past time that our laws on pregnancy discrimination catch up to the 21st century. I'm proud to vote for this bipartisan legislation which provides strong, clear, and common-sense protections for pregnant workers. No one should have to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy."

The House vote comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten workers' health and safety, particularly for pregnant workers who may be at increased risk of severe illness from the virus. Women comprise 64 percent of frontline workers.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has broad support from more than 250 worker advocates, civil rights groups, and the business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a recent survey of voters across the country, 89 percent said they support the proposal, including 81 percent of Republicans, 86 percent of Independents, and 96 percent of Democrats.

Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act:

Private sector employers with more than 15 employees as well as public sector employers must make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers (employees and job applicants with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions).
Similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are not required to make an accommodation if it imposes an undue hardship on an employer's business.
Pregnant workers cannot be denied employment opportunities, retaliated against for requesting reasonable accommodations, or forced to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation is available.
Workers denied a reasonable accommodation under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will have the same rights and remedies as those established under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These include lost pay, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees.
Public sector employees have similar relief available under the Congressional Accountability Act, Title V of the United States Code, and the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991.

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