New Federal Rules Mandate Workplace Accommodations for Abortion Care

The final regulations clarify the enforcement of the 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, following a four-month review of thousands of public comments. Employers must now grant time off for workers seeking abortion care, whether local or out-of-state, while also accommodating physical needs such as exemptions from heavy lifting or modified schedules for pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness. The agency maintains that these rules do not mandate abortion services but ensure that employees can access medical care without risking their employment status.

Advocates emphasize that the policy fills critical gaps for low-wage workers who often lack access to the Family and Medical Leave Act protections. While the rules prohibit retaliation against employees for exercising these rights, they do not require companies to cover the costs of medical procedures or travel. The policy has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Senator Bill Cassidy, who labeled the inclusion of abortion as illegal. Conversely, medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have praised the move as a vital acknowledgment of the physiological demands of pregnancy and the economic necessity of job security for workers.