Lawmakers Reject Bill for Pregnant Workers: ‘You Can Just Quit’

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In yet another episode of “Men Deciding What Women Should Do with Their Bodies,” a group of male legislators in South Dakota shot down a bill aimed at granting basic workplace protections to pregnant women and new mothers. Because, of course, a pregnant woman taking an extra bathroom break is just too much to ask.

The South Dakota House Committee dismissed HB1120, a proposal that would have allowed expectant mothers to take a seat during long shifts, make temporary transitions to lighter duties, receive assistance with physical tasks, and have a private space for breastfeeding instead of being forced to use the restroom. In a stunning display of insensitivity, one of the lawmakers suggested a simple solution for those not receiving these accommodations: just quit your job!

Yes, you heard that right—just quit! Because it’s totally easy to find a job while pregnant, right? Rep. Tom G. Bravo stated during a House Commerce and Energy Committee hearing, “It’s not prison, you can quit. Every day is a choice. If an employer doesn’t let you breastfeed or make necessary accommodations, you shouldn’t work for them. Get out of there.”

This kind of thinking is not only out of touch but also entirely dismissive of the struggles faced by pregnant workers. First off, it’s the employer’s responsibility to create a supportive work environment—not the employee’s to just up and leave when mistreated. Secondly, finding a new job isn’t a quick process; it often requires time—time that pregnant women may not have while juggling existing responsibilities. And let’s be real: looking for work while pregnant or with a newborn is a monumental challenge, not a walk in the park.

While federal law does protect against firing, harassment, or discrimination due to pregnancy, that’s merely scratching the surface of what is truly needed in terms of workplace protections. After all, growing a human being is no small feat; is it really too much to ask for an extra bathroom break or a chair to sit on?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages expectant mothers to discuss potential job hazards with their employers, health and safety offices, and OB-GYNs as soon as possible. It’s not like we’re asking for a gourmet buffet of pickles and ice cream (though that would be nice); we simply want a little understanding: an extra bathroom break (seriously, the need to pee is real), a place to sit down (have you ever tried standing for hours with vulvar varicose veins?), and maybe a bottle of water (for some of us, it’s the only thing that helps keep the nausea at bay).

Recognizing the importance of small accommodations for pregnant employees, 18 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted pregnant workers’ fairness acts, yet despite ongoing efforts from Democrats to propose a federal version, it continues to stall. Come on, out-of-touch gentlemen—get with the times! The future is female, and we’re not backing down.

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In summary, the denial of basic protections for pregnant workers is not just a legislative failure; it’s a societal one. Women deserve better than to be told to simply quit when faced with workplace challenges during one of the most important times of their lives.