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Statement

Moms Cheer Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Final Rule and the Benefits It Will Bring

April 17, 2024
Workplace Justice, Maternal Health

Lisa Lederer, 202/371-1996

Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO of MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on the final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, released by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Monday:

“The EEOC’s release of the final rule implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act puts the benefits of this historic law within reach. It means the right of pregnant workers to reasonable workplace accommodations are now spelled out and the days when pregnant people had to choose between keeping their jobs and having healthy pregnancies are ending. As a result of this law, fewer pregnant workers will be forced out of their jobs because employers deny them reasonable accommodations like carrying water bottles and taking more bathroom breaks. Moms are especially pleased that the final rule prohibits discrimination against workers related to miscarriage, abortion care, and lactation, as well as pregnancy.

“This final rule will provide clarity for working people and their employers. It will especially help low-income women and women of color. And it will make America’s moms and families healthier and more economically secure. This is a major, meaningful advance.”

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, stop discrimination against women and moms, and build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: www.MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.