(New York, N.Y.) The following is a statement from Dina Bakst, Co-Founder & Co-President of A Better Balance:
“Today’s passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in the House, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, follows years of tireless advocacy. We are proud to have authored the 2012 op-ed that first launched the movement for this critical bill, to have testified twice in its support, and, most importantly, to have successfully passed similar laws in 30 states. We are honored to work alongside the many women who have bravely shared their stories and become powerful advocates for change, refusing to stay silent in the face of enormous adversity. Now, we are closer than ever to putting the law squarely on their side—paving the way for justice and equity not only for pregnant workers, but for their co-workers, their families, and their communities.
This represents a resounding victory for the pregnant workers who have been treated like second class citizens under the law for far too long, especially low-income workers and mothers of color. At A Better Balance, we have heard from thousands of expecting mothers over the years who have been denied accommodations and forced off the job, suffering devastating economic consequences as a result. For nearly a decade, we have been leading the charge to combat this horrific mistreatment, alongside so many brave women who have spoken out, to pass this urgently needed legislation. We thank Rep. Jerry Nadler, Rep. John Katko, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for championing this bill. As we emerge from a global pandemic that has forced millions of women out of work, the Senate must listen to pregnant workers and act swiftly to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and send it to the President’s desk. It’s long overdue.”
Full PWFA coalition joint press release:
