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Dear Editor,

I was thrilled to read about the US Supreme Court’s March 25, 2015 decision on *Young vs. UPS*, in which the Supreme Court ruled that UPS should have made reasonable, temporary accommodations for Young while she was pregnant on the job. This is especially relevant here in Massachusetts, as over *half* of women in the workforce are pregnant or new mothers.

My younger brother and myself, our family would not have survived financially or otherwise. For over 25 years, my mother has worked in retail, the physically demanding positions of which require that employees stand for long periods of time and often ask that they lift heavy objects. Were it not for the accommodations that her employers made, like allowing her to use the restroom more frequently and ensuring that she lift no more than 20 pounds, my mothers’ health and safety would have been put at risk. Studies have shown that physically demanding work can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

Our legislators must pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, H. 1769, which would require employers to make small and reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and new mothers. Doing so benefits everyone—not only mothers and children, but also employers and taxpayers via reduced turnover, increased employee satisfaction, and reduced unemployment. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the many contributions that mothers make in our world, not penalize them.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Coley