Today marks the 46th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). As the oldest federal law protecting workers from discrimination based on pregnancy, the PDA generally protects employees and applicants from adverse action due to pregnancy or related conditions, prohibits harassment based on pregnancy, and prohibits retaliation against employees that raise complaints of pregnancy discrimination. Since its passage, additional federal and state laws, such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, have increased protections for pregnant workers.
Today’s anniversary serves as an important reminder to employers to ensure compliance with laws and entitlements for pregnant workers, including obligations to provide accommodations where needed.