Recent ruling in North Dakota allows over 8,000 Catholic employers to deny time off for abortion or fertility care. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, effective since June 2023, ensured protections for pregnancy-related conditions, including abortion and IVF procedures. However, the Catholic Benefits Association and Diocese of Bismarck sued the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over religious freedom violations.
The EEOC rules mandate only time off, not financial obligation, for care-seeking employees. U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor granted a preliminary injunction in favor of the Catholic defendants, limiting EEOC’s enforcement. This marks a significant setback to the Act’s protections, leading to potential legal battles and an uncertain future for pregnant worker rights.
The decision underscores broader religion vs. civil rights conflicts, impacting not only abortion access but also LGBTQ+ rights. The case may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, setting a divisive tone for the ongoing national discourse on reproductive healthcare.
As the legal landscape shifts, advocacy groups continue the fight to protect workers’ rights and maintain clarity in pregnancy accommodations amidst conflicting judicial rulings.