SW News: US Catholic bishops slammed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act's planned regulations, which would require employers to provide accommodations for employees who obtain abortions. The Act was passed by Congress in 2022 and created additional safeguards for workers who are pregnant or recently gave birth.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Monday issued proposed regulations that defined abortion as one of the related medical conditions. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) initially supported the bill for its new protections for pregnant women. Now, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities chairman Bishop Michael Burbidge accused the EEOC of distorting the law.
Bishop Burbidge said that the proposed rules are contrary to the legislative intent of the Act. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said the decision to disregard the legislative process to inject a political abortion agenda is illegal and deeply concerning.
Initially, the bishops supported the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act because it enhanced the protection of pregnant mothers and their preborn children, which is something that they have encouraged Congress to prioritize. The Act was pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-life.
In the statement, the bishop says it is a total distortion to use this law as a means for advancing abortion, and the complete opposite of needed assistance for pregnant mothers.
“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to include accommodations for obtaining an abortion is wrong and contrary to the text, legislative history, and purpose of the Act, which is to help make it possible for working mothers to remain gainfully employed if desired while protecting their health and that of their preborn children. We are hopeful that the EEOC will be forced to abandon its untenable position when public comments submitted on this regulation demonstrate that its interpretation would be struck down in court,” reads the statement.