The massive government spending bill recently approved by Congress contains a new law that expands protection for pregnant workers. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which goes into effect June 27, 2023, will require covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to the known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions absent a showing of undue hardship. While the reasonable accommodation process under the PWFA closely parallels the obligations employers have under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities, there are some key differences as well as some gray areas that might not be clarified until the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) promulgates implementing regulations, which the Commission is supposed to do by the end of 2023.
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