Trump Administration Plans Narrowing of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The EEOC, currently under the leadership of conservative employment lawyer Andrea Lucas, aims to revise the 2024 rules that expanded protections to include fertility treatments, menstruation, and menopause. Lucas has long contended that the existing interpretation incorrectly conflates pregnancy-related accommodations with broader female biological concerns. If these changes proceed, the commission is expected to significantly shorten the list of recognized medical conditions while simultaneously broadening religious exemptions for employers.

Opposition to this shift has been vocal, particularly regarding the potential impact on in vitro fertilization. In May, 15 Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, warned that removing these protections would leave workers vulnerable to illegal denials of basic support, such as time for medication or monitoring appointments. Critics argue that these maneuvers are intentionally timed for post-election implementation to avoid immediate public backlash, forcing employees to navigate a precarious choice between their medical needs and job security.