Protecting pregnant women from workplace discrimination is an essential part of reproductive freedom. This advocacy is a crucial part of the work we do every day to ensure a woman’s choices are her own—not warped by unfair and discriminatory workplace policies.
Fortunately, in 2017 in Nevada we passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act making it unlawful for employers to deny reasonable accommodations in the workplace. When employers do not provide reasonable accommodations for expectant mothers, women can be forced to choose between a paycheck and starting or growing their family.
Women make up almost half of our nation’s labor force, and 40 percent of women are the sole or primary breadwinners for their families.1 When women choose to have children, their employers should respect that choice, not discriminate against them. This means accommodating the needs of pregnant women at work.
1 Pew Research Center, Breadwinner Moms