Current:Home > Markets17 states challenge federal rules entitling workers to accommodations for abortion-InfoLens
17 states challenge federal rules entitling workers to accommodations for abortion
View Date:2024-12-23 11:51:17
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Republican attorneys general from 17 states filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging new federal rules entitling workers to time off and other accommodations for abortions, calling the rules an illegal interpretation of a 2022 federal law.
The lawsuit led by Tennessee and Arkansas comes since finalized federal regulations were published on Monday to provide guidance for employers and workers on how to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The language means workers can ask for time off to obtain an abortion and recover from the procedure.
The rules, which the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adopted on a 3-2 vote along party lines, will go into effect June 18. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Arkansas argues the regulations go beyond the scope of the 2022 law that passed with bipartisan support.
“This is yet another attempt by the Biden administration to force through administrative fiat what it cannot get passed through Congress,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement. “Under this radical interpretation of the PWFA, business owners will face federal lawsuits if they don’t accommodate employees’ abortions, even if those abortions are illegal under state law.”
An EEOC spokesperson referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Better Balance, one of the most vocal advocates for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, called the lawsuit a baseless attack on the law’s protections.
“This lawsuit represents a bad faith effort to politicize what is a vital protection for the health and economic security of millions of families, and a continuation of the alarming attacks on women’s health and reproductive choice,” Dina Bakst, the group’s co-president, said in a statement. “We are committed to fighting to defend workers’ rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.”
The EEOC has said the new law does not obligate employers or employer-sponsored health plans to cover abortion-related costs, and that the type of accommodation that most likely will be sought under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act regarding an abortion is time off to attend a medical appointment or for recovery, which does not have to be paid.
The other states joining the lawsuit are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.
veryGood! (6979)
Related
- Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn Coming Out of Retirement at 40
- Asian Development Bank approves a $200M loan to debt-stricken Sri Lanka
- CosMc's lands in Illinois, as McDonald's tests its new coffee-centered concept
- Indiana judge rules in favor of US Senate candidate seeking GOP nomination
- Taylor Swift drops Christmas merchandise collection, including for 'Tortured Poets' era
- The biggest takeaways and full winners from The Game Awards
- George Brett's competitiveness, iconic moments highlight new MLB Network documentary
- Israeli teen hostage freed by Hamas says her pet dog Bella was a huge help during captivity in Gaza tunnels
- Burt Bacharach, composer of classic songs, will have papers donated to Library of Congress
- 110 funny Christmas memes for 2023: These might land you on the naughty list
Ranking
- Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time
- Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 Is Just Peachy & So Are These Fashion, Beauty & Decor Finds
- If Shohei Ohtani signs with Dodgers, pitcher says he'd change uniform numbers
- Secret Santa gift-giving this year? We have a list of worst gifts you should never buy
- 4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
- Last sentencings are on docket in 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- Judge says ex-Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut plane’s engines can be released before trial
- Ford recalling more than 18K trucks over issue with parking lights: Check the list
Recommendation
-
DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
-
White House proposes to 'march in' on patents for costly drugs
-
Two GOP presidential debates are set for Iowa and New Hampshire in January before the voting begins
-
For one Israeli hostage's family, anguish, and a promise after meeting Netanyahu: We're coming.
-
Chris Wallace will leave CNN 3 years after defecting from 'Fox News Sunday'
-
North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer's son in police chase that ends in deputy's death
-
No reelection campaign for Democratic representative after North Carolina GOP redrew U.S. House map
-
Tom Sandoval Says He Fought So Hard for Raquel Leviss After Affair Before Heartbreaking Breakup