A Win for Working Moms: Appeals Court Upholds Pregnant Workers' Rights in Texas

A recent federal appeals court decision has restored vital protections for pregnant Texas state employees, reaffirming the constitutionality of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). This ruling isn't just a legal technicality — it's a major victory for women's rights, especially for low-wage workers who often face job loss or unsafe conditions when requesting simple accommodations like time off for medical appointments or a break from heavy lifting.

The PWFA was passed in 2022 with bipartisan support after years of advocacy from women's rights organizations. Yet, it quickly came under fire, not just over its application to abortion and fertility treatments, but over whether it was even legally passed during a pandemic-era Congressional session. A lower court had blocked the law’s enforcement for Texas state employees, arguing that too many members of Congress had voted by proxy.

But now, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned that decision, confirming that proxy voting — a rule adopted during COVID-19 — was valid and the law stands.

Why does this matter?

Because the court's decision protects pregnant workers from being forced off the job just because they need temporary accommodations. It also pushes back against a broader effort to undermine pandemic-era laws that were passed in good faith to keep government functioning.

There are still battles ahead. The law isn’t final in Texas just yet, and conservative-led challenges to specific parts of the law — especially those related to abortion and reproductive health — are still ongoing. But for now, this ruling sends a strong message: Pregnancy shouldn’t be a barrier to employment or fair treatment.

🔗 Take a few minutes to read the full article by Alexandra Olson via the AP — it’s a powerful snapshot of the legal, political, and human impact of a law that affects millions of working women and families.