As temperatures rise due to climate change, pregnant farmworkers are facing heightened risks associated with extreme heat. Clarisa Lugo, an Illinois farmworker, experienced severe heat illness while working in a corn and soybean field last summer. At eight months pregnant, she suffered from nausea, a racing heart, and a persistent headache as the heat index reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite her efforts to cool down with water and ice, Lugo struggled to recover.

Agricultural workers are already among the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and pregnant workers are at an even greater risk. Many of these workers are low-income Latino immigrants who labor in harsh conditions, often without adequate protections. Experts warn that heat exposure can lead to serious complications for pregnant individuals, including miscarriages, stillbirths, and preterm births.

In the U.S., states like California and Iowa have seen significant temperature increases over the past century, with California experiencing nearly a 3-degree Fahrenheit rise. This warming trend has resulted in seven of the last eight years being the hottest on record in the state. Florida has also reported an average temperature increase of over 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

A study highlighted that agricultural workers face more than 35 times the risk of heat-related deaths compared to other professions. The physical demands of farm work, combined with the physiological changes of pregnancy, can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself, leading to dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Many pregnant farmworkers are reluctant to advocate for better working conditions due to fears of retaliation or immigration enforcement. This fear is compounded by the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have made many workers hesitant to seek medical care. Health care providers have noted a decline in prenatal visits and an increase in patients presenting for care only during labor.

While some states have implemented protections for workers, there are no federal heat regulations in place. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, enacted in 2023, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Advocates argue that existing laws are often not adequately enforced, and many workers remain unaware of their rights.

In Florida, where many agricultural workers are women, there is a growing movement for better heat protections. Workers are advocating for guaranteed compensation during heat waves and additional pay for working in dangerous conditions.

The challenges faced by pregnant farmworkers extend beyond the workplace. Many live in areas with limited access to healthcare and lack transportation to medical facilities. Additionally, they often do not receive employer-sponsored medical care or paid leave, making it difficult to prioritize their health during pregnancy.

As climate change continues to exacerbate heat waves, the risks for pregnant farmworkers and their unborn children are likely to increase. Without stronger protections and enforcement, these workers will continue to face significant health challenges in their demanding roles.

The situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies that protect the health and safety of pregnant farmworkers in the face of rising temperatures and climate-related challenges.