Federal bipartisan legislation protecting employees who have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions went into effect on Tuesday.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to allow a pregnant women to continue to work safely. Accommodations include a stool for workers who stand and additional bathroom breaks.
It applies to private and public sector employers with at least 15 employees, Congress, Federal agencies, employment agencies, and labor organizations. It does not replace other federal, state, or local laws that offer more protection of workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
“It took 10 years of fighting to get this passed, but today, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is now the law of the land,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who introduced the bill, said. “This law is simple: it ensures that pregnant workers have the right to reasonable accommodations, like a stool or water bottle, while at work. Women in Pennsylvania and around the country can breathe easy knowing they do not have to choose between their jobs and a healthy pregnancy.”
Existing laws make it illegal to fire or discriminate against workers based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.