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.
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