The Court said that denying pregnant workers accommodations that are available to many other employees can violate the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. While the Court’s decision is an important victory for Peggy and other pregnant workers, individual pregnant workers may still face real uncertainty as to their rights at work and be pushed out of their jobs.

We know a healthy pregnancy is essential to maternal and infant health, and any uncertainty that could force women to choose between their job and a healthy pregnancy could be devastating, since women are the primary breadwinners in 41% of families with children. No woman should have to worry that she could be forced off the job if she gets pregnant, and lose her paycheck and health care at the very moment her family needs them most.

We are renewing our call on Congress to act now to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The Act reinforces yesterday's decision from the Court and provides a clear rule, ensuring no woman is ever forced to choose between her job and a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, we are working through our Raising Women’s Voices coalition to pressure HHS to create a special enrollment period so that uninsured women who become pregnant can obtain health insurance on the market place exchanges at any time of the year.

Join our ongoing advocacy efforts on this important issue. Additionally, find out more about our work fighting for the health and rights of pregnant women here.

Cindy Pearson was the NWHN’s Executive Director from 1996 to 2021. One of the nation's leading advocates for women's health, Cindy often testified before Congress,  NIH and the FDA and was frequently featured in the news as a consumer expert on women’s health issues. When she retired, Cindy received a Congressional Resolution in honor of her outstanding contributions to the health of women and girls.

Read more from Cindy Pearson.