New Illinois Laws Regulate Pregnancy in the Workplace

Written by Ellie Savant, Editor-in-Chief

Since the beginning of time, women’s rights have been an uphill battle. In the last century alone, we have gained the right to vote, access to birth control, and protection from workplace discrimination. However, while monumental change has happened in the past one hundred years, it seems the United States is still trying to make the lives of women and men more comparable.

For the world to be equitable, where women have equal comfort and opportunity, I believe there are certain privileges that women should receive, especially in the workplace.

Until January 1 of this year, pregnant employees were given no guarantees of sufficient bathroom usage or breaks. They may have been forced to lift heavy boxes or stand for hours a day. Now, Illinois state legislature is changing what employers can lawfully force pregnant employees to do.

From now on, pregnant employees cannot be asked to lift more than 50 lbs. They must be given a bathroom break whenever they ask for it, and they must be provided access to clean drinking water. In addition, pregnant employees will now be granted the right to breastfeeding their infants, whether they choose to do so during time where they will not be paid, or during paid break time already alloted to them. According to the law, “All employees who provide notice at least 30 days prior to leave will be eligible for 4 weeks (20 work days) of paid maternity/paternity leave. The State shall require proof of the birth. Maternity and/or paternity leave shall be limited to 1 leave per family for each pregnancy.  All employees are eligible for equal paid leave with a new adoption. Adoption leave shall be limited to 1 leave per adoption.” This new statute is also relevant for fathers, meaning that both women and men can get time to take care of their newborns. Four weeks off is surely beneficial for new mothers and their children, however, it is necessary to note that we still have not gotten the same amount of maternity leave as other nations, which are usually granted about six weeks. Unfortunately, these regulations have yet to be expanded to non-governmental positions.

These stipulations may not seem very impressive, but they are extremely impactful. If a pregnant woman is denied bathroom use, she may be more susceptible to a bladder infection. Such an infection could cause complications with the baby depending on whether the mother could be treated or not.  Heavy lifting can also cause a woman’s water to break or put more stress on her back. However, although these regulations are remarkable,  I think that the new breastfeeding laws are the most poignant. Breast milk has nutrients in it that help a baby’s brain, eyes, and other organs develop in ways formula does not. It also strengthens the baby’s immune system with antibodies from the mother. In the past, most women were forced to either use formula with their babies or to pump for breastmilk, an exhausting process that cuts down on mother-child bonding time. Although some women will not be paid during the time they breastfeed at work, the opportunity to even do so is likely to increase the health of babies with working mothers.

With this in mind, I think that the fact that changes like these are being implemented shows that we are still growing as a society. I truly believe that obtaining equality is impossible, because men and women are different at their cores. However, men are no better than women, and vice versa. Society’s fairness will lie in equity. Women being allowed to care for their themselves and their children while at work means that we are finally being taken seriously for what our bodies naturally do. I can only hope that someday I will be able to work and sufficiently care for myself and my children while being successful, and that those opportunities will be met with equal pay.