As summer temperatures soar, agricultural laborers, particularly pregnant women, find themselves at grave risk for heat-related illnesses. Clarisa Lugo, an expectant mother and farm worker, experienced severe symptoms of heat illness while inspecting crops on a sweltering day, highlighting the vital dangers that agricultural workers endure in extreme heat.
Pregnant agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable as rising temperatures due to climate change lead to increased health risks that can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or complications during childbirth. Many of these workers are low-income Latino immigrants who often work in grueling conditions without sufficient access to water, shade, or breaks.
In states like California and Florida, where agriculture is a primary industry, rising temperatures have been tracked consistently. For instance, California has seen an increase of nearly 3°F since the 20th century, leading to longer and more intense heat waves which pose dangers for those laboring in the fields.
Despite the existence of some state-level protections, many agricultural workers report that regulations are poorly enforced and that a pervasive culture of fear prevents them from advocating for their health and safety. The impacts of the Trump administration’s immigration policies have exacerbated this issue, making many reluctant to seek medical care or speak out about unsafe working conditions.
Data reveals that agricultural workers face up to 35 times the risk of heat-related deaths compared to other occupations. These risks are compounded by a lack of federal protections for workers in extreme heat and inadequate state regulations. For instance, while some states have made strides in protecting workers, areas with large agricultural operations like Texas and Florida have stripped local governments from enforcing their own safety standards.
The dire situations faced by workers have led to increased advocacy and calls for action. In Florida, primarily female workers have mobilized for heat protections, and in California, workers are seeking guaranteed compensation for lost wages during extreme weather. However, the struggle continues as many women endure unsafe conditions out of financial necessity, often with minimal recourse.
As climate change continues to exacerbate heat extremes, the urgency to protect vulnerable pregnant farmworkers is paramount to prevent health crises in underserved populations.
