What is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act?

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) is a federal law that was passed in 1978 as an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The PDA protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on their current or past pregnancy. The PDA applies to employers in Washington and throughout the United States. The PDA requires employers to treat pregnant employees the same as all other employees in terms of pay, benefits, promotions, training opportunities and access to other employment opportunities. Employers cannot single out pregnant employees for different treatment, such as refusing to hire, firing, or refusing to promote, based on pregnancy. An employer must also make reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnant employees, such as more frequent breaks, modified job duties, and access to disability accommodations. In addition, the PDA prohibits employers in Washington and throughout the United States from discriminating against an applicant or employee based on her pregnancy or related medical condition. This includes discrimination related to fertility treatments and pregnancy-related medical conditions, such as severe morning sickness. Employers also may not retaliate against employees who report pregnancy discrimination or harassment. The PDA ensures that pregnant employees are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace and not subjected to discrimination and harassment. It helps ensure that pregnant employees in Washington and throughout the United States are able to continue working and receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.

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What is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act?

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