The U.S. Senate is being called upon by the Attorneys General of several states, including Michigan, to protect the rights of pregnant women. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has been introduced for consideration.
The Act would secure the rights of pregnant women to be provided reasonable accommodations at work without fear of being pushed out of their jobs, according to a press release from Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Nessel said, “This legislation provides proper protections for pregnant workers who all too often face choosing between paying bills and ensuring a safe pregnancy.”
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is closely modeled after the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The coalition argues that people in low-paying jobs are disproportionately discriminated against in seeking reasonable accommodations like sitting instead of standing, taking more regular breaks, and temporarily avoiding certain activities like heavy lifting.
In the letter, the AGs said, “The PWFA will facilitate access to justice for these workers and also have positive implications on other issues that disproportionately affect women of color, such as severe maternal mortality and morbidity.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
