Imagine an employer providing extra bathroom breaks for a pregnant employee or giving her a stool to sit on. Sound like a good idea? It is, and I absolutely support it.

For many reasons, I am proud to be the first House Republican co-sponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. It’s good for women. It’s good for Colorado families. It’s good for our economy. And, finally, it’s an example of a common sense, bipartisan solution that we need more of in the United States Congress.

First and foremost, women should not have to worry about losing their job simply because they’re pregnant. In 2013, 61 percent of pregnant and new moms were at work in Colorado. This is a significant segment of our work force and one that we must support. No one should have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck.

Supporting moms in the workplace isn’t just common sense, it’s good for families. Consider that in the United States today, mothers are primary or sole breadwinners in nearly 40 percent of families. In many cases, putting a mother’s paycheck in jeopardy is not an option for the family. The PWFA would help many of these families and provide them with some peace of mind.

The PWFA would make it illegal for an employer to fire or deny opportunities to a pregnant woman without offering reasonable accommodations unless it would be an undue burden on the employer. The legislation fills in some gaps and strengthens the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which made it illegal for employers to discriminate based on pregnancy or childbirth.

Many of the accommodations employers make for pregnant women, such as additional bathroom breaks and providing a stool for long shifts, come at little or no cost.

Prior to being elected to Congress, I started and grew a small business. I know first-hand how important it is to recruit and retain quality employees. Making accommodations for an expectant mother is a lot less expensive than hiring and training a new employee.

Simply put, the PWFA addresses women’s health needs without putting an undue burden on employers. It’s common sense, and I am confident that most employers would agree.

All too often Coloradans and Americans criticize Congress for abandoning common sense and embracing partisan gridlock. Unfortunately, in many cases, they are right. As the sole Republican co-sponsor in the House, I am urging my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Women’s rights shouldn’t be a partisan issue.

I have fought throughout my time in government to end discrimination anytime and anywhere. For example, as a state legislator I authored and successfully passed landmark legislation banning women from being charged more for health insurance than men. And just last year I led an effort to pass legislation that protects female soldiers from retaliation when they report sexual assault. Each of these efforts required bipartisan support to pass, and the PWFA is no different.

I’m proud to take a stand and support the “Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.” It’s common sense and it’s far more important than taking a pointless partisan stand.

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, an Aurora Republican, is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and former small business owner.