The Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act has been introduced in every Congress since 2011, but Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have voiced an intent to get it passed this year. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives last May by a vote of 315-101. Since then, it has advanced through several Senate committees.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 protects women from being fired or denied employment due to pregnancy, but it does not require businesses to provide accommodations that would help them to continue working. Proponents of the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act argue that new legislation would help pregnant women by creating a requirement for businesses to provide "simple and reasonable accommodations." Such accommodations might include a place to sit or water to drink.