The U.S. stands for freedom and equality—or at least that’s what they say. So how can we believe in such values when the U.S. judicial system does not believe women have the right to make their own decisions and a brain to use in the process?

A recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling said that Johnson Controls Inc., based in Milwaukee, is not violating federal discrimination laws by barring women of child-bearing age from working in their battery manufacturing plant. According to the Chicago Tribune, the company claims to be protecting women employees and their future children from the dangers of exposure to lead.

It is understandable that the company wants to protect themselves from potential lawsuits that could result if the exposure to lead affects a woman’s unborn child. However, not all women wish to have children or are even able to have children.

If a woman applies for an available industrial position and is the most qualified person, she should be told of potential hazards and allowed to make her own decision whether or not to accept the job. All companies that expose their employees to dangerous materials should follow this guideline, and apply it to all people. Although they cannot bear children, men should be subjected to the same “protection” as women.