Over 10,000 family physicians in California will now be better equipped to support their pregnant and breastfeeding farmworker patients. The California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) has adopted a comprehensive policy based on our research and advocacy that establishes three vital priorities for their network of physicians:
- Raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
- Educating healthcare providers about workplace accommodations and paid leave to avoid toxic exposure, and
- Expanding access to paid leave benefits for farmworkers.
WorkLife Law advocated for the adopted Resolution and drafted it in collaboration with CAFP Physician Director Dr. Laura Murphy and Dr. Carlos O’Bryan, a member of our Dar a Luz Healthcare Provider Advisory Committee.
Studies have consistently shown that high levels of pesticide exposure among farmworkers during pregnancy is linked to adverse health outcomes for workers and their babies, including delayed neurodevelopment, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer. Through the Resolution, we address the crucial role healthcare providers play in protecting vulnerable workers.
“This resolution transforms how we protect pregnant farmworkers,” says Juliana Franco, our Senior Staff Attorney who led the drafting of the resolution. “For the first time, we’re establishing comprehensive support that includes both medical guidance and practical access to critical benefits.”
This resolution will equip family physicians with essential educational tools to improve the health of pregnant farmworker patients,” says Dr. O’Bryan. “By advocating for paid leave to reduce toxic exposures, we aim to establish a standard of care that ensures all pregnant farmworkers have the opportunity for a healthy, pesticide-free pregnancy.
Pregnant and breastfeeding farmworkers in California are in better hands now that the thousands of physicians in CAFP’s network have resources to support them and their families. You can learn more about WorkLife Law’s ongoing efforts to secure stronger protections through our Dar a Luz project.