Championing Women’s Health: Leading the Way on Menopause Protections in the Workplace

Women’s health is often talked about—but too rarely acted upon. For too long, issues that deeply affect women’s daily lives have been overlooked, minimized, or left out of policy conversations entirely. As women, we carry the responsibility of nurturing families, communities, and workplaces, yet our unique health needs are often treated as afterthoughts.

That’s why I was proud to sponsor the first-of-its-kind legislation in Rhode Island to protect and support women experiencing menopause in the workplace. On June 24, 2025, H 6161 (and its companion S 0361) was signed into law, amending the state’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) to explicitly include menopause and menopause-related conditions under workplace protections.

This groundbreaking legislation recognizes that menopause is a natural stage of life—not a condition to be hidden or stigmatized—and that women deserve understanding, flexibility, and support during this transition. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for menopause or related conditions unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Examples include modified work schedules, access to cooler workspaces or rest areas, flexible breaks, and other practical adjustments.

By addressing menopause openly, Rhode Island is taking a stand for health equity, gender justice, and respect. This law is about more than physical comfort—it’s about ensuring that women can continue to thrive professionally without shame or silence.

Rhode Island has always been a leader in breaking new ground, and I’m proud that we’re leading again—this time, for women’s health and workplace equality.