A lawmaker from South Dakota has blocked a bill that ensured job safety for breastfeeding or pregnant working moms. Rep. Wayne H. Steinhauer, a Republican from Minnehaha, was one of eight who voted to shelve the legislature meant to give working mothers with kids more accommodation at work.
The deliberation on HB 1120 happened during the Feb. 8 session. Among other things, it sought employers to allow breastfeeding or pregnant working moms to have longer breaks or less physically demanding tasks while in their delicate condition or as their bodies are still recovering. It also sought for employers to provide job restructuring to these working moms, if necessary.
Steinhauer, however, said that these accommodations to limit discrimination against the women are not necessary. He advised breastfeeding or pregnant working moms to quit their jobs as being employed is not like being in prison.
"You've got a choice every day," Steinhauer said, according to Rewire. "You make a choice whether you come to work."
Baby Center cites the statement is discriminatory. Companies are actually required by law to provide the same accommodations among breastfeeding or pregnant working moms as it would the disabled employees.
This latest incident highlights how pregnancy discrimination is still happening in today's workplace. There are apparently over 250,000 breastfeeding or pregnant working mothers who are not being properly accommodated at work. Between 2010 and 2015, some 650 workplace discrimination cases against working moms were filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Partnership Organization reports.
Other companies, however, are trying to change the working environment for its female employees. In fact, 18 states including Washington D.C. have enacted bills that cover breastfeeding or pregnant women's job security and situation, according to A Better Balance.
Where do you stand on this issue regarding breastfeeding or pregnant moms in the workplace? Would you quit your job if you were the mom in this situation or would you stay with an employer who might not extend the accommodations you need? Share your thoughts in the comments!
