The new federal regulations enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act are set to revolutionize workplace culture for millions of pregnant employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations offer a broad range of accommodations for conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, including controversially, abortion, fertility treatment, and birth control.
The law, passed with bipartisan support in December 2022, aims to ensure pregnant workers receive the accommodations they need without facing insurmountable hurdles. The regulations, set to go into effect in June, cover roughly 1.5 million pregnant workers annually.
Workers are entitled to unpaid time off for various pregnancy-related situations, flexible working arrangements for morning sickness, and exemptions from tasks like heavy lifting. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot deny requests without proving “undue hardships.”
The EEOC emphasizes that requesting accommodations should not be complicated for pregnant workers, who do not need to cite specific laws or provide documentation in most cases. However, documenting the process is advised.
The regulations also address abortion, stating that while it is covered under the law, employers are not obligated to cover related expenses. The decision has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, with potential legal challenges expected.
While a federal judge has blocked enforcement of the law for Texas state employees, the Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling. The law has already made a positive impact on low-wage workers, with enforcement and awareness crucial for its success.