Legislation to allow pregnant women to ask employers for accommodations at work was heard in the Indiana House on Tuesday, but critics say it’s too weak and doesn’t actually change anything.
There are several bills in the General Assembly addressing pregnant worker accommodations. Multiple advocacy groups, including Women4Change Indiana and Hoosier Action, held rallies for bills requiring accommodations, but this was the only one to be heard in a committee.
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Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) offered an amendment to the bill that would mandate accommodations, putting it more in line with what advocates want and other measures Gov. Eric Holcomb supports. However, it did not pass.
“The fact is, without a bill that requires all employees and all employers to make these modifications, we know the stories of infant loss and maternal morbidity will continue,” she said while introducing her amendment.
The bill stands without significant changes and will receive a final vote in the House before heading to the Senate.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
