10/17/2003
Overview: The 1975 Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Women who are affected by pregnancy or related conditions must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.
Application: The PDA applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
Prohibited Acts: An employer should not:
- refuse to hire a woman because she is pregnant as long as she is able to perform the major functions of her job; or
- refuse to hire a pregnant woman because its prejudices against pregnant workers or the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers; or
- fire or force a worker to leave because she is pregnant; or
- take away credit for previous years, accrued retirement benefits, or seniority because of maternity leave; or
- fire or refuse to hire a woman because she has an abortion.
Notice: The notice, Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law should be posted where employees can readily see it. A copy of this notice is available in the NFIB Legal Foundation's new Federal Employee Handbook for Independent Business.
Additional Information; For more information, please refer to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) Web site at http://www.eeoc.gov or contact 800.669.4000 to locate the EEOC field office in your area.
