Washington Attorney General Sues Providence Health Over Alleged Denial of Accommodations for Pregnant and Nursing Employees

Brown said the behavior is a straightforward violation of state law, and that a healthcare provider in particular should understand its obligations. “Taking commonsense steps to keep pregnant and nursing employees and their babies safe and healthy isn’t optional, it’s the law,” Brown said. He described the situation as “bitterly ironic,” noting that Providence cares for thousands of pregnant patients while allegedly preventing its own employees from receiving the same consideration. The lawsuit alleges violations of Washington’s Healthy Starts Act, which governs pregnancy and postpartum workplace accommodations.

Providence Health and Services pushed back against the characterization in a statement, saying it is committed to supporting caregivers and complying with all relevant laws. The organization said it engaged in discussions with the Attorney General’s office prior to the lawsuit being filed but that the office refused to share information that would have allowed Providence to understand the specific allegations and address individual concerns. “We are disappointed by the State’s focus on litigation rather than collaborative efforts to help caregivers,” the statement read. Providence said it offers paid parental leave, pregnancy-related accommodations, and return-to-work flexibility, and that it remains committed to reaching an appropriate resolution.