Ayotte Statement on the 38th Anniversary of the Pregancy Discrimination Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte issued the following statement on the 38th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and responded to a report that found over the last five years, pregnancy discrimination rates have stayed the same.

"While the 38th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act is an important milestone, the reality is that pregnant women in the workforce are still being discriminated against. No mother should ever have to choose between her job and a healthy pregnancy. As someone who worked through two pregnancies, I urge my colleagues to support my bipartisan bill with Senator Shaheen - the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - that would better protect pregnant workers and require employers to make reasonable accommodations so that they can continue working in a safe environment," said Senator Ayotte.

Ayotte along with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that would protect pregnant workers from workplace discrimination. The legislation, which is closely modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act, would require employers to make reasonable accommodations -- such as a minor job modification - that would allow pregnant workers to continue working and prevent them from being forced out on leave or out of their jobs. The bill also prohibits employers from denying employment opportunities to women based on their need for reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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