The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new federal law that, starting June 27, 2023, requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a qualified worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”
“Covered employers” include private and public sector employers with at least 15 employees, Congress, federal agencies, employment agencies, and labor organizations.
Accommodations may include but are not limited to:
- Receiving closer parking
- Having flexible hours
- Receiving additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest
- Being excused from strenuous activities and/or exposure to chemicals not safe for pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, looking to become pregnant, or a new mom, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new PWFA – as well as with other laws enforced to protect pregnant job applicants and employees – and talk to your employer.
For more information about the PWFA, visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website and view the PWFA poster. For information about the other laws designed to protect pregnant applicants and employees, click here.
