The Center for WorkLife Law is a national advocacy and research organization that advances gender and racial equity by strengthening legal rights for pregnant people and family caregivers. Our work seeks to ensure all people have the freedom to build and maintain economic security through employment and educational opportunities, without having to sacrifice their health or their loved ones’ care.
WorkLife Law fights these and other problems by advancing policy change and providing direct legal support to workers and students in need.
On May 20th, Washington became the fifth state in the United States to enact paid lactation breaks– a major step toward health equity for postpartum workers. Starting in 2027, the landmark bill will also ensure that all pregnant and postpartum workers have an enforceable right to reasonable accommodations.
WorkLife Law is partnering with Rise Up, the new legal defense network providing federal workers with the free legal support they need. We will serve as a legal Backup Center to provide technical assistance to the defense network’s frontline attorneys on issues related to pregnancy, lactation, leave, and caregiving. WorkLife Law is proud to partner with Rise Up to ensure pregnant, postpartum, and caregiving federal workers have information and tools to protect their livelihood and health.
President Trump signed an Executive Order today to dismantle much of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). “The order is an affront to our children and the future of our country,” said Jessica Lee, Co-Director of WorkLife Law and Co-Founder of WorkLife Law’s Pregnant Scholar Initiative. “While the Trump administration is not legally permitted to shut down the Department of Education, this order will accelerate major cuts that will shutter much of the Department’s work in practice— harming students and entire communities.”
