CLS submitted an amicus brief to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals backing a legal challenge brought by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and allied Catholic organizations (together “USCCB”). The lawsuit targets the EEOC’s attempt to enforce an abortion provision within the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which was enacted to add workplace protections for pregnant workers. The EEOC’s implementing regulations initially interpreted “related medical conditions” to include abortion (e.g., time off for the procedure or recovery). This drew significant opposition from religious groups and led to lawsuits, including this one filed by USCCB. The CLS brief argues that the EEOC’s final rule violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment rights of expressive association and free speech.
