In a recent episode of men making misguided decisions about women’s health, a group of male legislators in South Dakota has rejected a bill that sought to provide essential workplace protections and accommodations for pregnant employees and new mothers. Because, apparently, allowing a pregnant woman to take an extra bathroom break is just too much to ask.
The South Dakota House Committee voted against HB1120, which aimed to enable pregnant women to take breaks during long shifts, transition to lighter duties, receive help with physical tasks, and have a private space for breastfeeding that isn’t a bathroom. In typical fashion, one of the legislators who opposed the bill suggested a rather simplistic solution for women lacking these accommodations: just quit your job.
Rep. Mark J. Anderson made his stance clear during a committee hearing, saying, “It’s not a prison; you have the option to leave.” He further stated that if an employer fails to provide necessary support for breastfeeding or other accommodations, “you shouldn’t want to work for that person anyway.”
However, the reality is that walking away from a job is not as simple as it sounds. First, it’s unjust for an employee facing workplace discrimination to be pushed into the position of seeking new employment. Second, job hunting can be a time-consuming process that many cannot afford to undertake while still managing their current responsibilities. Finally, securing a new job while pregnant or caring for a newborn can be incredibly challenging.
While federal law protects against firing, harassment, or discrimination based on pregnancy, this merely scratches the surface of what working mothers need. Growing a tiny human is no small feat, and asking for a few extra minutes for bathroom breaks or a comfortable place to sit shouldn’t be too much to ask.
Organizations like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage expectant mothers to discuss job hazards with their employers and healthcare providers. After all, we’re not asking for extravagant perks; we simply need some understanding and basic accommodations, like a chair to sit on (vulvar varicose veins, anyone?) and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
While 18 states and Washington, D.C. have taken steps to pass pregnant workers fairness acts, attempts to create a federal version have repeatedly stalled. The time has come for lawmakers to catch up with the needs of working women. The future is indeed female, and we are not backing down.
For more insights on pregnancy and the journey to motherhood, check out our post on Intra-Cervical Insemination and learn about the options available at Make A Mom for those considering home insemination. If you’re curious about various family-building options, this resource provides valuable information.
In summary, the rejection of HB1120 highlights the ongoing struggle for workplace protections for pregnant workers. Laws should reflect the realities of motherhood and support women in their roles both at home and in their careers.