If enacted, HB2644 would significantly alter the landscape of protections afforded to pregnant workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by ensuring that no regulations addressing occasions when workers might require accommodations related to pregnancy would extend to abortion services. Supporters of the bill believe that this is a necessary measure to maintain the separation of laws related to pregnancy and abortion, viewing it as an essential aspect of protecting the conscience rights of employers and organizations opposed to abortion. The potential implications suggest that this change could lead to fewer protections for employees who seek accommodations due to conditions related to pregnancy and motherhood.
Summary
House Bill 2644, titled the 'Love Them Both Act of 2025', seeks to prohibit regulations that implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act from being applicable to abortion or any coverage related to abortion services. This bill effectively removes any regulatory authority over abortion-related matters from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights as they relate to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This act aims to clarify and restrict the interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act regarding its scope in relation to abortion.
Contention
The introduction of HB2644 has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill is vital for protecting the rights of employers who should not be compelled to engage in practices that contradict their moral or ethical beliefs regarding abortion. Conversely, opponents see this as an attack on the rights of pregnant workers, arguing that it creates barriers to accessing necessary accommodations that could affect their health and wellbeing. The contention centers around the balance between the rights of workers seeking accommodations for pregnancy and the rights of employers in exercising their beliefs regarding abortion.