A court in the Western District of Louisiana just ruled that essential reproductive healthcare such as abortion is not covered as a reasonable accommodation under the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
The following is a statement from A Better Balance President Inimai Chettiar:
“This court’s decision to deny workers reasonable accommodations for abortion-related needs is part of a broader attack on women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
The Courts and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have consistently interpreted pregnancy-related needs to include abortion-related needs. The EEOC crafted the PWFA regulations over a period of years with thoughtful input from thousands of stakeholders. This court’s sudden decision to rewrite those regulations upends workers’ and employers’ understanding of and reliance on settled precedent.
A Better Balance is working around the clock to defend this law that we fought so hard to pass. We won’t stand by as these vital protections for women and all pregnant people are undermined. Workers should know that the PWFA is still in effect and if they have questions, they can call A Better Balance’s free, confidential legal helpline at 1-833-NEED-ABB.”
