Republican AGs Challenge EEOC Rules for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Last June a new federal law went into effect that requires companies with 15 or more employees to provide “reasonable accommodations” for workers who are pregnant or have recently given birth, or who have a related medical condition. Accommodations can include allowing such workers to take more bathroom breaks or sit instead of stand when on the job.

Final rules issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last month specified that abortion was a “related medical condition” covered under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The Republican attorneys general of 17 states have filed a lawsuit alleging the EEOC’s “erroneous interpretation” of the law creates an “abortion accommodation mandate,” even in states where abortion is illegal.

“When the law was passed by Congress, it was explicitly understood not to address abortion at all, and the text of the statute does not address abortion,” said Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti (R), one of the co-leaders of the multistate suit.

This month the Republican AGs of Louisiana and Mississippi filed their own legal challenge to the EEOC’s rules. (STATELINE)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK

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