Numerous pro-life organizations recently filed a friend of the court brief in the Supreme Court for an important case on the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, Young v. United Parcel Service. Among those organizations filing the brief was Democrats For Life of America (DFLA). Millennial editor Robert Christian, a senior fellow at DFLA, interviewed University of St. Thomas (MN) law professor Thomas Berg, who worked on the brief on behalf of DFLA.
DFLA Statement on Young v. UPS
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2014
Contact: Kristen Day: 202-220-3066
“As a pro-life advocate, I am proud to stand here to support Peggy Young. In our movement, we are often accused of caring only for the unborn child and ignoring the needs of the women. The fact that I am joined by 22 other pro-life groups is a testament to our commitment to the value of life and of raising children. Denying benefits and not providing reasonable accommodations for a pregnant woman is not pro-life.
The Court of Appeals was in error with its interpretation of the PDA. If the Supreme Court upholds that position, it could put a woman in the unjustifiable position of choosing between the welfare of her unborn child and her economic security. This is wrong.
The earlier interpretation by the courts seriously weakens the effect of the PDA and could change the law and put women in situations where they are pressured to abort. That is not pro-life. Pregnancy is an important feature of human life. The right to bear children and have families is fundamental. Consequently, a woman’s distinctive situation in that vital aspect of life should be respected and supported by her employer.
We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will correctly interpret the text of law as it reflects the purpose of Congress in enacting it.”
MEDIA CONTACT
KRISTEN DAY
202-220-3066