House Concurrent Resolution 38

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 14, 2019, AS SAFE AND HEALTHY PREGNANCIES FOR WORKING WOMEN DAY IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, over 38,000 women give birth in Mississippi each year; and

WHEREAS, at least half of all mothers work during pregnancy and return to work after their baby is born; and

WHEREAS, supporting healthy pregnancies is critical to reducing premature births, birth defects and infant mortality; and

WHEREAS, being pregnant should never be cause for a woman to be treated unfairly, denied opportunity, compensated less or otherwise discriminated against; and

WHEREAS, some women may need to take precautions in the workplace to protect the health of their pregnancy, such as more frequent rest and bathroom breaks, protection from certain chemicals, and abstaining from or procuring assistance with lifting heavy objects; and

WHEREAS, working in an environment that is physically and emotionally stressful can increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and heart disease, which in turn can increase the chances of a woman having a premature baby, low birth weight baby, or baby with other health problems; and

WHEREAS, March of Dimes has successfully advocated in support of legislation to accommodate and protect pregnant women in seven states through out the nation; and

WHEREAS, March of Dimes can help employers play an important role to support pregnant employees and encourage healthy pregnancies and healthy babies with seven recommended workplace standards to guide employers on providing a safe, healthy workplace for women:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate February 14, 2019, as Safe and Healthy Pregnancies for Working Women Day in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.