When it matters, it matters.

Sometimes, my panties get in a knot for reasons that flare on the political side. I am hesitant to say that I am politically educated, because that is a gross understatement. But I know what is right and what is wrong, and if there is a pertinent situation for me to speak my mind, I damn well speak it. Arguably, everything in politics is pertinent to me, I realize this, but I specifically react to situations that represent me, my family, my life, directly.

Luckily, I have not been a victim of job loss due to pregnancy, but I know too many women who have.  Granted, my jobs have not been physical, and they require very little of me in that sense, but that does not mean that every woman has the same luxury. Many women choose to work in physical fields, and they deserve to maintain those jobs regardless of their ‘state’. I came across this post today from Broken Condoms, and immediately read into the movement. I urge you, whether you are pregnant now, have been pregnant in the past, plan to be in the future, or love someone who is pregnant and working, write to your representative and learn about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

 

Dear Congressman Marino,

Few instances arise in my life and work that spurn me to action on a political level, but the support needed for this particular movement is of the most importance to me. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, and an employee. My success in all of these facets hinges on my ability to provide emotionally and financially for my family. I have worked since the legal age in Pennsylvania, uninterrupted, for the entirety of my 26 years. To think that a pregnancy could strip me of the ability to do this is unjust and frankly, unfathomable.

At a time in history when it is common, and in many circumstances necessary, to have both parents in a family working full time, at a time when economic hardships touch both sides of the poverty line, at a time when family is often the last thing left intact, we cannot permit unfair treatment of a valuable resource to our country, the pregnant woman. It is with this in mind that I ask you to wholly support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

As a pregnant working mother, I can say with unmatched certainty that ‘pregnant’ is not synonymous with ‘impaired’. The simple act of carrying a child does not impede our mental faculties, it does not exempt us from our duties of employment, and it does not deter our desire to provide for our families. If we as workers are able to meet the requirements asked of us by our employers, we should be granted the benefit of a full term pregnancy while behind our desk, at the wheel, at the head of the classroom, or wherever our calling lies.

As a mother, worker, and resident in your district, I beg of you: Please support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Kindest Regards

McKenzieR.Haraschak

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