New Bill May Set Precedent in Protecting Pregnant Workers’ Healthcare

Alongside rising healthcare costs across the U.S., the expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth have surged. Today, the average parent incurs more than $24,000 in health care service charges throughout the prenatal, childbirth and postpartum periods. For many expectant parents, a sudden job loss can mean losing critical health insurance—potentially leading to missed prenatal care, increased pregnancy complications and thousands in medical debt. As healthcare costs rise and job security remains uncertain, lawmakers are considering new protections for pregnant workers.

Tennessee State Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) recently introduced Senate Bill 190, which would require employers to continue providing health insurance for pregnant employees enrolled in their company’s health plan—even if they are terminated—until the end of their pregnancy. Lamar argues that the bill would ensure expectant mothers maintain access to essential care, protect infants’ health, and prevent companies from using pregnancy as a justification for workforce reductions.

“Especially in Tennessee, when we have no rights to abortion at all anymore, you’re forced to have kids…It should not mean you have to lose your job, but if you do, that puts you at risk of not being able to access the healthcare services that you need to have a healthy baby,” Lamar told WATE 6.

Under the proposed legislation, former employees would be required to submit a written statement within 30 days of their pregnancy’s conclusion to maintain coverage. If they fail to do so, employers could seek reimbursement for the costs of continued health insurance.

If passed, the bill would go into effect on July 1. While the bill’s future remains uncertain, its introduction highlights the growing conversation around workplace protections for pregnant employees. Advocates say this legislation could set a precedent for other states, sparking broader discussions on employer responsibility and the long-term impact of job loss on maternal and infant health.