U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a new guidance that says ICE will no longer arrest or detain individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, or nursing unless there are special circumstances. “Generally ICE should not detain, arrest, or take into custody for an administrative violation of the immigration laws individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum or […]
Postpartum Recovery Ad Rejected by the Oscars for Being “Too Graphic”
ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected an ad for postpartum recovery products that would have aired during the Oscars for being “too graphic.” The commercial depicts a new mom adjusting to her post-birth body and placing a pad in a pair of mesh underwear. Frida Mom, the company behind the […]
French Lawmakers Approve IVF for Single and Gay Women
France’s lower house of Parliament approved a controversial draft of a bioethics law Friday allowing single women and lesbian couples to use medically assisted reproduction methods, but it still needs to make it through France’s upper house. The bill, which would allow women who are not in heterosexual relationships or single to access IVF treatment […]
Pregnant Migrant Woman Had Labor Stopped By American Doctors, Taken Back to Mexico By U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
An eight-and-a-half month pregnant migrant woman travelling from El Salvador was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande, and while the anonymous woman began experiencing labor contractions U.S. border agents took her to a hospital where American doctors gave her medications that would stop her labor and was quickly sent […]
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Georgia Passes Strict Anti-Abortion Law
Today, Governor Kemp of Georgia signed into law the controversial “Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, which bans all abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A fetal heartbeat can usually be detected around 6 weeks into pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant. This is one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws […]
Ohio Implements Unconstitutional Six Week Abortion Ban
Ohio has officially banned abortions after 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. The law will make an exception to save a woman’s life, however no exceptions for cases of rape and incest. It will take effect in 90 days unless blocked by a federal judge. The law also creates […]
Today is the 38th Anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Today is the 38th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), the first federal law guaranteeing protections on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth and other related conditions under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Purvi Patel, Imprisoned for a Miscarriage in Indiana, Has Filed an Appeal
A Stanford law professor, Lawrence Marshall, is taking Patel’s case pro bono.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Petition Overturning a Pregnancy Discrimination Decision
The court of appeals reasoned that firing a woman for breastfeeding is not sex discrimination because men can also lactate.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges the Wisconsin Law That’s Putting Pregnant Women in Prison
Wisconsin is just one of several states that effectively suspend the civil rights of pregnant women in the name of protecting against fetal harm.
Women Legislators Lead Fight Against Controversial Spending Bill
In both chambers of Congress, women are leading the fight against the legislation, which contains controversial provisions on abortion, abstinence-only education, financial reform, and other issues impacting millions of Americans.
Supreme Court Hears Pregnancy Discrimination Case While Advocates Rally Outside
The US Supreme Court heard the arguments in Young v. United Parcel Service case this morning. Young’s case was bolstered by a rally held outside the Supreme Court during the hearing.
Maternal Death Rate in West Africa Expected to Rise Due to Ebola
One in seven women could die during childbirth in the West African countries most impacted by the Ebola crisis.
UPS Switches Pregnant Worker Policy Ahead of Supreme Court Case
The United Parcel Service is changing its policy on light duty assignments for pregnant workers, even though the company will stand by its refusal to extend accommodations to a former employee in an upcoming Supreme Court case.
Doctors Warn That Measure 1 Would End In Vitro Fertilization in North Dakota
Doctors at North Dakota’s only clinic offering in vitro fertilization are speaking out to warn voters that Measure 1, a proposed personhood amendment in the state, would make the practice illegal.
Despite Regulations, Mortgage Lenders Still Discriminate Against Pregnant Borrowers
Pregnancy could be jeopardizing your chances of getting a new home.
Illinois Governor Signs Bill To Protect Pregnant Women From Workplace Discrimination
Accommodations provided by HB 8 may include temporary changes for heavy lifting and manual labor, ensuring access to seating, frequent restroom breaks, time off following childbirth, and break spaces for breastfeeding.
Indiana Woman Charged With Feticide For Premature Delivery
Purvi Patel sought help at an emergency room. After investigation, police charged Patel with feticide, punishable with up to 20 years in prison, as well as neglect of a dependent.
More Investment in Women’s Health Needed as Africa’s Population Rises
Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
In Liberia, The Ebola Outbreak is Also a Maternal Health Issue
Although the death toll from the virus itself is astounding, many people – including pregnant mothers – are also dying as hospitals and clinics shut their doors.
