Supreme Court to Hear Former UPS Worker's Case Seeking Job Protections for Pregnant Women

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will consider a case that will either limit or expand discrimination protection for pregnant women in the workplace.

At the center of the case, Young vs. United Parcel Service, is a woman named Peggy Young, who used to deliver envelopes and small packages for UPS. However, when she became pregnant in 2006, her doctor recommended that she avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds. Young asked her company to accommodate her doctor's orders by placing her on a temporary light duty assignment, as it did with other workers who are injured on the job. Instead, UPS placed her on unpaid leave, arguing that she did not qualify for the company's workplace accommodations as the criteria only applies to workers who are injured on the job, have a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or lose their driver's certification.

"I lost my health benefits," Young told The New York Times. "I lost my pension. And I lost my wages for seven months. And my disability benefits."

She then filed a lawsuit alleging that UPS violated the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which states that pregnant workers should be treated equally to those who are "similar in their ability or inability to work."

In response, UPS argues that Young was treated the same as other employees with off-the-job injuries or conditions. UPS also stated that to do otherwise would result in giving the pregnant special treatment, which the law was enforced to end. Two lower courts sided with the postal company.

Now, with the backing of almost two dozen women's rights groups, Young will present her case to the Supreme Court.

Brianne Gorod, appellate counsel at the liberal Constitutional Accountability Center, said this case could potentially have broad implications on pregnant workers across the nation.

"This is an important case for the court. The Roberts Court has often ignored the realities of the workplace to privilege employers over their female employees," said Gorod, according to USA Today. "A ruling for Young will ensure that all companies afford pregnant women the same temporary accommodations they provide other employees who are similarly situated in their ability to work."

On the other hand, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce submitted a brief on behalf of UPS, arguing that a victory for Young would prioritize pregnant women above other workplace considerations.

"It would overturn the seniority policies of thousands of American businesses and frustrate the valid goals of these policies," the chamber stated in its brief.