Pregnant Workers Fairness Act — New Protections for Women Workers in New York City
The US Congress adopted the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) on December 27, 2022, and the Act went into force on June 27, 2023. On April 15, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a final regulation to carry out the law, which goes into effect on June 18, 2024. The law is designed to guarantee workplace accommodations for workers with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act What Has Changed? Previously, pregnancy and childbirth were not considered reasons for accommodating associated limitations. Employees were entitled to protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) only in cases where the worker experienced pregnancy complications and other disabilities. The PWFA prescribes that employers must accommodate limitations caused by pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of whether they are disabilities as defined by the ADA. This means that if you are suffering from a co