House Passes Measure To Protect Pregnant Worker Jobs

NMDP News:

SANTA FE — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 25 Thursday, the Pregnant Worker Accommodation Act, sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), and Sen. Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos), that requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers so they may continue to work.

The Pregnant Worker Accommodation Act would ensure that women and other pregnant employees can continue to earn a living while maintaining a healthy pregnancy and being reassured of their job security.  

House Bill 25 amends the Human Rights Act to include protections for pregnant workers. Specifically, the bill requires employers to maintain health coverage during leave and to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, unless it would create an undue hardship on the employer. The Pregnant Worker Accommodation Act encourages employers and employees to collaborate regarding these reasonable accommodations and make possible changes to the employee’s work environment, work rules, or job responsibilities to adapt to their needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity leave. 

“It’s 2020, and pregnant workers are still unprotected under the New Mexico Human Rights Act,” Rep. Chasey said. “Providing female employees with reasonable accommodations during pregnancy is not only good for women and working families, but it’s also good for our economy. I am proud that the House has passed this good conscience bill.”

House Bill 25 passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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