The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was added in 1978 as an amendment to section 701 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This amendment makes employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions illegal. How does this apply?
Hiring
An employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy.
Working
Pregnant employees must be allowed to work as long as they are able to perform their jobs. If temporarily unable to perform work tasks as a result of pregnancy, the employer must treat her the same as any other temporarily disabled employee by modifying tasks, making alternate assignments or taking disability leave with or without pay.
Health Insurance & Benefits
Employers must cover expenses and reimbursements for pregnancy-related conditions on the same basis as costs for other medical conditions.
Health insurance and other benefits must be given equally to married and unmarried women. Accrual of seniority, vacation time, pay increases and temporary disability benefits must continue for pregnant and childbearing women the same as any other employee.
Maternity Leave
While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 allows for leave equal to disability leave, years later the Family Medical Leave Act made more distinct allowances for maternity leave. The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 legislated up to 12weeks leave for eligible employees for the birth or adoption of a child.
Discriminated Against?
If you’ve been denied any of the above rights or feel you’re being discriminated against, you should contact an employee rights lawyer or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission right away.
Top 10 Powerful Women's Organizations
Looking for groups and organizations that advocate for women? Here are ten powerful women's organizations.
1. Catalyst
Catalyst is the leading research and advisory organization working with businesses and the professions to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women at work.
2. Center for Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the law to advance reproductive freedom as a fundamental right that all governments are legally obligated to protect, respect and fulfill.
3. Feminist Majority Foundation The Feminist Majority Foundation works for social, political and economic equality for women by using research and education to improve women's lives.
4. Global Fund for WomenThe Global Fund for Women, an international network of women and men committed to a world of equality and social justice, advocates for and defends women's human rights by making grants to support women's groups around the world.
5. Institute for Women's Policy Research The Institute for Women's Policy Research conducts rigorous research and focuses on issues of poverty and welfare, employment and earnings, work and family issues, health and safety, and women's civic and political participation.
6. NARALNARAL Pro-Choice America is committed to advancing our shared values. We are committed to protecting the right to choose and electing candidates who will promote policies to prevent unintended pregnancy.
7. National Women's Political Caucus The National Women's Political Caucus is a multicultural, intergenerational, and multi-issue grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a true women’s political power base to achieve equality for all women.
8. National Organization for Women (NOW)The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women.
9. Third Wave Foundation The Third Wave Foundation helps support the leadership of young women ages 15 to 30 by providing resources, public education, and relationship building opportunities.
10. YWCAThe YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress.
Top 10 Powerful Women's Organizations
Looking for groups and organizations that advocate for women? Here are ten powerful women's organizations.
1. Catalyst
Catalyst is the leading research and advisory organization working with businesses and the professions to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women at work.
2. Center for Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the law to advance reproductive freedom as a fundamental right that all governments are legally obligated to protect, respect and fulfill.
3. Feminist Majority Foundation The Feminist Majority Foundation works for social, political and economic equality for women by using research and education to improve women's lives.
4. Global Fund for WomenThe Global Fund for Women, an international network of women and men committed to a world of equality and social justice, advocates for and defends women's human rights by making grants to support women's groups around the world.
5. Institute for Women's Policy Research The Institute for Women's Policy Research conducts rigorous research and focuses on issues of poverty and welfare, employment and earnings, work and family issues, health and safety, and women's civic and political participation.
6. NARALNARAL Pro-Choice America is committed to advancing our shared values. We are committed to protecting the right to choose and electing candidates who will promote policies to prevent unintended pregnancy.
7. National Women's Political Caucus The National Women's Political Caucus is a multicultural, intergenerational, and multi-issue grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a true women’s political power base to achieve equality for all women.
8. National Organization for Women (NOW)The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women.
9. Third Wave Foundation The Third Wave Foundation helps support the leadership of young women ages 15 to 30 by providing resources, public education, and relationship building opportunities.
10. YWCAThe YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress.
Whos In Charge Here?
Here's a breakdown of women in elected positions in the U.S.
Congress
Women currently make up 15.1% of Congress, the highest percentage ever
Since 1789 only 2% of members of Congress have been women (224 of 11,748)
California has sent more women to Congress than any other state – 30 to date
Five states (Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampsire and Vermont) have never sent a woman to either the Senate or the House
Women of color make up 24.7% of the women serving in Congress
To date, 31 women of color have served in Congress
Governors
Eight women serve as governors in 2006
The record number of women serving simultaneously, set in 2004, is nine
Arizona is the first state where a woman succeeded an other woman as governor (Janet Napolitano succeeded Jane Hull in 2003)
Arizona is the first and only state to have had three female governors
In total, 28 women have served as governors in 21 states
Mayors (as of 7/05)
Among the 100 largest cities in the US, 12 have women mayors
Of the 1,137 mayors of US cities with populations over 30,000, 197 are women – 55 of them being in California.
Congress
Women currently make up 15.1% of Congress, the highest percentage ever
Since 1789 only 2% of members of Congress have been women (224 of 11,748)
California has sent more women to Congress than any other state – 30 to date
Five states (Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampsire and Vermont) have never sent a woman to either the Senate or the House
Women of color make up 24.7% of the women serving in Congress
To date, 31 women of color have served in Congress
Governors
Eight women serve as governors in 2006
The record number of women serving simultaneously, set in 2004, is nine
Arizona is the first state where a woman succeeded an other woman as governor (Janet Napolitano succeeded Jane Hull in 2003)
Arizona is the first and only state to have had three female governors
In total, 28 women have served as governors in 21 states
Mayors (as of 7/05)
Among the 100 largest cities in the US, 12 have women mayors
Of the 1,137 mayors of US cities with populations over 30,000, 197 are women – 55 of them being in California.
Whos In Charge Here?
Here's a breakdown of women in elected positions in the U.S.
Congress
Women currently make up 15.1% of Congress, the highest percentage ever
Since 1789 only 2% of members of Congress have been women (224 of 11,748)
California has sent more women to Congress than any other state – 30 to date
Five states (Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampsire and Vermont) have never sent a woman to either the Senate or the House
Women of color make up 24.7% of the women serving in Congress
To date, 31 women of color have served in Congress
Governors
Eight women serve as governors in 2006
The record number of women serving simultaneously, set in 2004, is nine
Arizona is the first state where a woman succeeded an other woman as governor (Janet Napolitano succeeded Jane Hull in 2003)
Arizona is the first and only state to have had three female governors
In total, 28 women have served as governors in 21 states
Mayors (as of 7/05)
Among the 100 largest cities in the US, 12 have women mayors
Of the 1,137 mayors of US cities with populations over 30,000, 197 are women – 55 of them being in California.
Congress
Women currently make up 15.1% of Congress, the highest percentage ever
Since 1789 only 2% of members of Congress have been women (224 of 11,748)
California has sent more women to Congress than any other state – 30 to date
Five states (Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampsire and Vermont) have never sent a woman to either the Senate or the House
Women of color make up 24.7% of the women serving in Congress
To date, 31 women of color have served in Congress
Governors
Eight women serve as governors in 2006
The record number of women serving simultaneously, set in 2004, is nine
Arizona is the first state where a woman succeeded an other woman as governor (Janet Napolitano succeeded Jane Hull in 2003)
Arizona is the first and only state to have had three female governors
In total, 28 women have served as governors in 21 states
Mayors (as of 7/05)
Among the 100 largest cities in the US, 12 have women mayors
Of the 1,137 mayors of US cities with populations over 30,000, 197 are women – 55 of them being in California.
Q. How much money do women make compared to men?
The term wage gap gets tossed around a lot, but what does it mean in dollars and cents?
A. On average, women make 76 cents on the dollar compared to men. The exact amount varies greatly depending on what your profession is and where you live.
For instance, according to the US Department of Labor:
female physicians and surgeons make 59 cents on the dollar compared to men
female computer support specialists make nearly 95 cents on the dollar
women living in Wyoming make an average of 65 cents on the dollar
women living in Washington DC make an average of 95 cents on the dollar
A. On average, women make 76 cents on the dollar compared to men. The exact amount varies greatly depending on what your profession is and where you live.
For instance, according to the US Department of Labor:
female physicians and surgeons make 59 cents on the dollar compared to men
female computer support specialists make nearly 95 cents on the dollar
women living in Wyoming make an average of 65 cents on the dollar
women living in Washington DC make an average of 95 cents on the dollar
Is Abortion Really Legal?
With Roe v. Wade in place women have been legally able to get an abortion in the US for 33 years. But between restrictive laws and anti-choice appointments, one could argue that a woman’s right to choose is no longer a realistic choice.
Current Status
There are now 33 states that enforce parental consent or notification laws for minors, 12 states have some law (7 are unenforceable) on partial birth abortion and 29 states have mandatory delays and/or require a physician give biased information to the woman seeking an abortion. TRAP ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers") laws are now in effect in 34 states. In Mississippi, for example, one TRAP law requires the facility be located in an attractive setting. In South Carolina a facility must keep its outside areas free of grass that might harbor insects. Missouri requires that procedure-room ceilings be at least nine feet high. Louisiana tried to mandate drinking-fountain water jets "be of an approved angle and jet type", but that one didn’t pass the federal district court.
What's at Stake?
Laws like these that create unreasonably high costs are taking their toll. According to the Washington Post, we now have three states (Mississippi, North and South Dakota) that have only one remaining abortion provider. The anti-abortion movement in South Dakota is so strong that doctors there have stopped performing abortions for fear of being ostracized. Doctors are flown in from Minnesota to perform abortions in the only clinic left – a Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls. That’s a 700-mile round trip for a woman from Rapid City. Add to the drive time cost of gas (if she has a car) and a 24-hour waiting period – not to mention the $450 for the procedure itself – and you can quickly see how abortion, while legal, may be next to impossible for a poor woman in South Dakota.
Current Status
There are now 33 states that enforce parental consent or notification laws for minors, 12 states have some law (7 are unenforceable) on partial birth abortion and 29 states have mandatory delays and/or require a physician give biased information to the woman seeking an abortion. TRAP ("Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers") laws are now in effect in 34 states. In Mississippi, for example, one TRAP law requires the facility be located in an attractive setting. In South Carolina a facility must keep its outside areas free of grass that might harbor insects. Missouri requires that procedure-room ceilings be at least nine feet high. Louisiana tried to mandate drinking-fountain water jets "be of an approved angle and jet type", but that one didn’t pass the federal district court.
What's at Stake?
Laws like these that create unreasonably high costs are taking their toll. According to the Washington Post, we now have three states (Mississippi, North and South Dakota) that have only one remaining abortion provider. The anti-abortion movement in South Dakota is so strong that doctors there have stopped performing abortions for fear of being ostracized. Doctors are flown in from Minnesota to perform abortions in the only clinic left – a Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls. That’s a 700-mile round trip for a woman from Rapid City. Add to the drive time cost of gas (if she has a car) and a 24-hour waiting period – not to mention the $450 for the procedure itself – and you can quickly see how abortion, while legal, may be next to impossible for a poor woman in South Dakota.
Top 5 Steps Toward Women's Equality
At a time when Oprah and Martha have as much name recognition as Donald and Bill (Trump and Gates, that is), we want to believe women have reached parity with men. But in 2003 women’s average income compared to men’s dropped a penny to 76 cents on the dollar. And earnings for those with Bachelor’s degrees shows an even greater disparity with those women making 68.5 cents on the dollar. Disappointing, yes. Inescapable, no. Here are five things you can do to help close the wage gap.
1. Be a Squeaky Wheel
No one thinks to solve a problem they don’t know exists. Educate yourself about the state of women today and spread the word. I’ll bet someone in your circle doesn’t know that of the 500 CEOs in the Fortune 500 only seven of them are women. Or that in 1999 23% of male executives made over $80K, versus 5% of female executives.
zSB(3,3)
2. Vote With Your Dollar
Interestingly, while women make 24% less then men, they control 75% of household finances and 85% of purchasing decisions. Women have huge spending power. Using it to support businesses that are woman-owned or those that promote women into management and executive positions even a couple times a week will make a difference. How do you know which companies are woman-owned or managed? Just ask.
3. Put More Women in Office:
In 2005 women make up 15% of Congress for the first time ever. Since women make up more than half the population, a government of the people shouldn’t be short on women. If you think this won’t make a difference, think about 1992 – the Year of the Woman – when more women ran for office and won than ever before. As these women took office in 1993, 30 pieces of legislation on women’s issues got passed. In 1994 33 pieces passed. The record for any year before then was five.
4. Support the Supporters:
There are so many organizations out there working to further women’s equality. Offering them your time or money is a great way to help women. Here’s just a few:
Emily’s List
Feminist Majority Foundation
Global Fund for Women
Ms. Foundation
National Organization for Women (NOW)
YWCA
5. Raise Critical Thinkers
No matter how corny it sounds, children really are our future. Invest in them the ability to think for themselves. Encourage them to ask, “Why?” Teach them to question the status quo. Tell them the greatest power of all is theirs if they just exercise it – the power of possibility.
1. Be a Squeaky Wheel
No one thinks to solve a problem they don’t know exists. Educate yourself about the state of women today and spread the word. I’ll bet someone in your circle doesn’t know that of the 500 CEOs in the Fortune 500 only seven of them are women. Or that in 1999 23% of male executives made over $80K, versus 5% of female executives.
zSB(3,3)
2. Vote With Your Dollar
Interestingly, while women make 24% less then men, they control 75% of household finances and 85% of purchasing decisions. Women have huge spending power. Using it to support businesses that are woman-owned or those that promote women into management and executive positions even a couple times a week will make a difference. How do you know which companies are woman-owned or managed? Just ask.
3. Put More Women in Office:
In 2005 women make up 15% of Congress for the first time ever. Since women make up more than half the population, a government of the people shouldn’t be short on women. If you think this won’t make a difference, think about 1992 – the Year of the Woman – when more women ran for office and won than ever before. As these women took office in 1993, 30 pieces of legislation on women’s issues got passed. In 1994 33 pieces passed. The record for any year before then was five.
4. Support the Supporters:
There are so many organizations out there working to further women’s equality. Offering them your time or money is a great way to help women. Here’s just a few:
Emily’s List
Feminist Majority Foundation
Global Fund for Women
Ms. Foundation
National Organization for Women (NOW)
YWCA
5. Raise Critical Thinkers
No matter how corny it sounds, children really are our future. Invest in them the ability to think for themselves. Encourage them to ask, “Why?” Teach them to question the status quo. Tell them the greatest power of all is theirs if they just exercise it – the power of possibility.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)