New York Reproductive Bias Law Reinstated by Appeals Court

Illinois has enacted a new law that prohibits discrimination based on reproductive healthcare decisions, such as abortion and in vitro fertilization, in employment, housing, and financial credit. This legislation is seen as a proactive measure to protect citizens amid potential federal policy shifts following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has revived a challenge to New York's 2019 law that bars retaliation against employees for their reproductive health choices, citing First Amendment concerns for faith-based organizations. The 2nd Circuit Court ruled that these organizations could argue the law infringes on their associational rights by compelling them to associate with employees whose beliefs conflict with their missions. The court has previously indicated that the First Amendment protects organizations from being forced into such associations. Both states reflect a broader national discourse on reproductive rights and protections in the workplace.