DC’S NEW LAW PROTECTING PREGNANT WORKERS

The District’s new Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (new window) became effective March 2015. The Act requires District of Columbia employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for employees whose ability to perform job duties is limited because of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or a related medical condition as long as the request does not pose an undue hardship or expense on the business.  The Act provides increased protections for pregnant workers and allows employers to require medical certification from an employee’s health care provider concerning the advisability of a request.  Employees seeking an accommodation due to pregnancy or any related condition should contact the Office of Institutional Diversity Equity and Affirmative Action (new window) in advance of their need for an accommodation, to the extent practicable.

Additional questions about DC’s Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act can be directed to your HR Client Services Partner.