Pregnant workers bill helps women, avoids controversy

OPINION:

The common story is that our political system is broken. But what if there were a piece of legislation to help pregnant women that has the support of the labor unions, business leaders, religious conservatives, and liberal lawyers? Such a bill does exist, has bipartisan support, and awaits a simple vote in the Senate. 

With support from groups ranging from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the American Civil Liberties Unions, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act should pass easily. 

Essentially, the bill clarifies existing law and ensures legal protections for pregnant employees. In 2014, two pregnant UPS drivers were forced out of their jobs after requesting “lighter duty” work. An expectant mother shouldn’t have to fear for her livelihood to protect the health of her baby. 

This bill would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant women —  like frequent breaks, sitting instead of standing or carrying a water bottle. It will also protect them from retaliation, coercion, intimidation, threats or interference if they request or use an accommodation.

Businesses like this bill because they are having difficulty hiring workers, and this bill would allow pregnant workers to stay on the job longer with reasonable accommodation. A record number of Americans quit their jobs in September, totaling 4.4 million. At a time when employers are struggling, this law could help retain some pregnant workers. With legal protections like these, employers would have the guardrails necessary to maintain their workforce and salvage the jobs of women who need them.

Business-friendly legislation is necessary to bolster the workforce, and this bill is one small step in that direction. By making the health and wellbeing of staff a priority, businesses demonstrate their principles and the value they place on people in their employment. This contributes to long-term worker satisfaction and far less turnover over time.

There is bipartisan agreement that these expectations are fair and necessary. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce support it because it clarifies how businesses should treat pregnant employees. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops likes the bill because it protects life. The Americans Civil Liberties Union and labor unions back it because it extends more protections to workers. 

As a working mother of two young children, I support the bill because pregnant women and their children should be supported and protected in the workplace. No woman should have to choose between a job and a healthy pregnancy. As an evangelical Christian, I’m excited to see bipartisan legislation that protects the unborn in such a tangible way. 

A society that authentically puts women and children first will thrive. Families are the backbone of society, and pro-family policies are a civic responsibility for those who claim to care for the vulnerable. Safety is a basic worker’s right that can and should extend to maternal health. 

The ethical choice is not always clarified in law. When UPS gave male employees with injuries off the job “light duty” but failed to offer the same accommodations for pregnant employees, one of the women sued them. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court with support from pro-life groups and abortion advocates alike. 

For once, partisanship has quieted; H.R. 1065 passed the House of Representatives in May 315-101 with about an even split among Republicans. The bill mirrors and extends protections provided in President George H. W. Bush’s signature Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are pro-life or pro-worker (or both!), this is an easy one. Pro-life Representatives and Senators want to protect life, and that’s why we saw pro-life stalwarts like Rep. Chris Smith and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry back the bill in the House. The passage in the Senate will send a message across the nation – and the world — that we support and value women and families. 

• Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer and digital media marketing professional. Her work has appeared in various publications, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post. She is a mother of two in Indianapolis, Indiana.