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What if Kate Middleton were a prison guard?
We have all seen the headlines, pregnant Kate Middleton is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum — severe nausea caused by pregnancy.
She's lucky she's a princess; here in the U.S., some pregnant workers in the same boat have been forced onto unpaid leave or fired by their employers. Women like Saonarah Jeudy. Here is her story:
Jeudy was working as a prison guard when she became pregnant. Not only did she suffer from hyperemesis, she also had painful fibroid tumors. She asked her supervisors if she could work the night shift at the prison; the hours were quieter and would allow her to get to the restroom more easily to vomit when necessary. Her supervisors refused, even after she gave them a note from her doctor, and eventually terminated her. When Jeudy sought relief in court, she lost, which means she lost her job for doing what she was designed to do, give birth to the next generation...
We know that Jeudy isn't alone. Too many employers refuse to provide minor workplace accommodations — like a schedule change, a water bottle or a bathroom break — when workers need them to continue safely working during pregnancy.
That's why the National Women's Law Center supports the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bill that would require employers to make the same types of accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions that they do for disabilities.
No pregnant woman — not Saonarah Jeudy, not the future Queen of England, not anyone should be forced to choose between her health and her job.
Do you have a story to share? We need your help to put a face on this important issue: tell us your story of being denied accommodations on the job you needed during pregnancy.
Thanks for your help!
Sincerely,
Emily J. Martin
Vice President and General Counsel
National Women's Law Center
P.S. Are you on Facebook? Help us spread the word about pregnancy discrimination sharing our new graphic.
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