Pregnant Workers Get New Protections in Maryland

Great news! Yesterday, a bill that will protect pregnant workers who need workplace accommodations passed in Maryland. This victory is due to the hard work of local advocates, especially the ACLU of Maryland. Now, when pregnant workers in Maryland need a simple accommodation to be able to continue to work safely – for example, a stool to sit on, or more frequent bathroom breaks – they will have clear-cut legal protection from being forced onto unpaid leave or even terminated. We have already seen the success of laws like these in protecting pregnant workers in states like California. Plus, experience shows accommodating pregnant workers, like accommodating individuals with disabilities, can be good for the bottom line. As a Maryland resident, I am very proud of my state.

Unfortunately, not all pregnant workers live in states like California and Maryland, where state laws make unmistakably clear that pregnant workers have the right to an accommodation. It is time for the protections offered in just a few states to be extended federally. I congratulate Maryland, and today I am doubly inspired to continue working towards the passage of the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.