Published February 1, 2024
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, EPPC scholars Rachel N. Morrison and Natalie Dodson met with federal government officials to oppose the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act regulations, which are expected to be finalized soon.
As the scholar explained, “The PWFA fills a longstanding gap in employment law and provides important accommodation protections for women in the workplace experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.” However, EEOC’s proposed regulations, which would mandate accommodations for abortion, are expansive, contrary to law and contrary to congressional intent. The scholars raised many concerns with EEOC’s proposal, including whether it could preempt state pro-life laws. The scholars urged the government to “ensure that the statutory and regulatory process is upheld, and that EEOC’s PWFA regulations have sufficient legal justification.”
A written version of their comments, submitted to the government, is available here (PDF).
Rachel N. Morrison is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where she directs EPPC’s HHS Accountability Project. An attorney, her legal and policy work focuses on religious liberty, health care rights of conscience, the right to life, nondiscrimination, and civil rights.
