Work And Pregnancy Laws.

I need more information on pregnancy laws. I work full time and worry about how people at my job will treat me if I have problems or need time off during my pregnancy. Is there anything I can do?
The U.S. Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 prohibits job discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related disability. It guarantees equal treatment of all disabilities, including pregnancy, birth or related medical conditions, by companies that employ 15 or more people. If you have problems, ask your doctor for help. Most will encourage you to work, if working isn't harmful to you or your baby.

Wasn't another law passed more recently that also affects pregnant women?
The Family and Medical Leave Act was passed in 1993. It allows you or your husband to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any . 12-month period for the birth of your baby. You can take this leave intermittently or all at the same time. You must be restored to an equivalent position with equal benefits when you return. However, the act applies only to companies that employ 50 or more people within a 75-mile radius. States may allow an employer to deny job restoration to those in the top 10% compensation bracket. Check with your state's labor office.

If you qualify for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, you can take up to 12 unpaid weeks off in a year to take care of family or personal problems. However, any time you take off before the birth of your baby is counted toward the total 12 weeks you are entitled to in any given year.
If morning sickness is causing you to be absent from your job, you may be interested to know that the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) states you do not need a doctor's note verifying the problem. Nausea or vomiting from pregnancy is classified as a "chronic condition" and may require you be out occasionally, but you don't need a doctor's treatment.

For information on the Family Medical Leave Act, call their hotline at
800-522-0925.

I heard on the radio the other day that there is a fact sheet about discrimination in the workplace during pregnancy. Do you know anything about it?
One excellent fact sheet available from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is "Facts about Pregnancy Discrimination." Call 202-663-4900 for a free copy or visit their website: www.eeoc.gov.

What about my state's employment laws; do they affect me as a pregnant woman?
State laws differ, so check with your state's labor office. You may also receive a summary of state laws on family leave from the U.S. Department of Labor:
Women's Bureau
U.S. Department of Labor
Box EX
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20210
800-827-5335