H.R.2644 - Love Them Both Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2644, the "Love Them Both Act of 2025," seeks to prevent regulations implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act from applying to abortion, the coverage of abortion, or abortion-related services. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 3, 2025, and referred to the Committees on Education and Workforce and House Administration.
The bill specifically targets the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Board of Directors of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights. It prohibits these entities from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation related to abortion under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
The Act aims to ensure that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act does not mandate accommodations related to abortion, reflecting a specific stance on abortion-related issues.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would limit the scope of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, preventing it from being interpreted to require employers to accommodate abortion-related needs. This could lead to legal challenges and differing interpretations of workplace protections for pregnant workers.
It would also impact the EEOC's and the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights' regulatory authority in this specific area. The bill reflects a broader debate about the extent to which employers should be required to accommodate abortion-related services.
Potential Benefits
- Could protect employers with religious or moral objections to abortion from being forced to accommodate abortion-related requests.
- May clarify the scope of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, reducing potential legal ambiguities.
- Could be seen as upholding a particular view on the moral status of abortion.
- Could prevent taxpayer funds from being used to support abortion-related services through employer accommodations.
- May empower individuals who oppose abortion to feel their values are being represented in policy.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could reduce protections for pregnant workers who seek accommodations related to abortion decisions.
- May disproportionately affect low-income workers who rely on employer-provided healthcare.
- Could create legal uncertainty and potential for discrimination against pregnant workers.
- May be seen as an infringement on women's reproductive rights.
- Could lead to negative perceptions of the U.S.'s commitment to women's health on the international stage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Supporters might argue it aligns with religious freedom protections under the First Amendment, preventing the government from compelling employers to support activities they find morally objectionable. Opponents might argue it infringes upon equal protection principles and potentially violates the right to privacy, as interpreted in cases like Roe v. Wade (though the Dobbs decision has altered the landscape of abortion rights jurisprudence).
The bill's impact on individual liberties and the balance between government regulation and personal autonomy would be key considerations in any constitutional challenge. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could also be relevant if the regulations impact interstate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).