Standing up for Ohio women to ensure that they are never discriminated against in the workplace during their pregnancy, Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13) has signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation introduced today that will establish strong protections for working women.

“No women should be discriminated against simply because they have chosen to have a family, and this bill is a huge leap forward in protecting those women,” said Sutton. “Current discrimination against pregnant women creates unnecessary and unjust uncertainty, forcing a woman to worry about both her pregnancy and keeping her job to provide for her family.  While we have made great strides in promoting equality in the workplace; this legislation builds upon the success of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in advocating for a workplace where women are treated fairly as equals. I call upon House leadership to bring this bill up for a vote, and put an end to this discrimination once and for all.”

Working to strengthen the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, this legislation addresses the still present risk of women being forced out of the workplace if and when they become pregnant. The legislation ensures protections for pregnant workers who are threatened with forced leave and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions unless it creates an undue hardship on the employer.