In a troubling development for workplace equality, a group of male legislators in South Dakota recently blocked a bill aimed at providing essential workplace protections for pregnant women and new mothers. This archaic mindset reflects a larger issue where men make misguided decisions about women’s health and rights.
The South Dakota House Committee effectively killed HB1120, a bill that sought to ensure basic accommodations for pregnant employees, such as the ability to sit during long shifts, temporary reassignment to less physically demanding roles, assistance with heavy lifting, and a private space for breastfeeding that isn’t a bathroom. One of the legislators, Rep. Jack Thompson, suggested a rather dismissive solution for those facing inadequate working conditions: simply quit your job.
“It’s not a prison; you can quit,” Thompson stated during a hearing. “Every day you choose whether to come to work. If your employer isn’t allowing you to breastfeed or make reasonable accommodations, then you shouldn’t be working for them anyway.”
Such comments reveal a profound disconnect from the realities many women face. The notion that finding a new job is easy, especially while pregnant, is not only misguided but adds to the burden of women who already deal with the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.
Let’s be clear: employees shouldn’t be forced to leave their jobs due to a lack of accommodations. Searching for a new job takes time and energy, resources that are often stretched thin when balancing work and family. Moreover, the struggle to find employment while pregnant or with a newborn is a daunting task.
While federal laws exist to protect pregnant employees from discrimination, they often fall short of providing the comprehensive support that women need. It’s a basic expectation that pregnant individuals should receive reasonable accommodations, such as extra bathroom breaks and a comfortable place to sit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even encourages discussions about workplace hazards between pregnant employees and their employers.
Women aren’t asking for extravagant perks; they simply want the basic necessities to ensure their health and wellbeing during a crucial time. Fortunately, 18 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted laws to protect pregnant workers, but efforts to establish a federal version have repeatedly stalled.
It’s time for lawmakers to step up and recognize the importance of supporting pregnant women in the workforce. The future is indeed female, and we must advocate for our rights and well-being in every space, including the workplace.
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Summary:
Recently, South Dakota legislators blocked a bill that would have provided crucial workplace protections for pregnant women, with one lawmaker suggesting they simply “quit” their jobs if accommodations weren’t made. This reflects a disconnect from the challenges women face, especially during pregnancy. It’s imperative that lawmakers recognize the need for supportive policies in the workplace.